The Tower of London has been the setting for many great events
during its 900-year history as a royal palace and fortress,
prison and place of execution, arsenal, mint, menagerie and
jewel house. This timeline shows some of the most significant
events that took place here.
The concept behind constructing a strong fortress in the heart
of the European capital began somewhere in the 10th century
and this magnificient piece of history was completed by around
the year 1100 A.D.
History by the century:
12th Century: Expansions followed to the Tower of London and
the Bell Tower was built up along with a few more buildings.
13th century: This was the time when Henry III & Edward
I transformed the tower encricling the tower by two towered
curtain walls and a great moat.
14th century: The famous Peasants' revolt happened during the
14th century and Richard II was forced to take shelter in the
tower. Another establishment of this time was the completion
of the river Wharf.
15th century: This was the century when the castle was expanded
for the last time. It was also the time when Henry VI was murdered.
16th century: Another century of killings. Two wives of Henry
VIII were executed during this period and Elizabeth I was imprisoned.
Also, it was during this time the Tower of London started receiving
its first paying visitors.
17th Century: The civil war between 1642-1649 was the time Charles
I lost control of the tower. Another horrendous event was the
attempt of stealing the Crown Jewels by Colonel Blood.
18th century: This century saw the last execution of the tower.
Also, for the first time in history, the Tower of London guidebook
was published.
19th Century: Not much happened during this period other than
the fire at the Grand Storehouse and the moat being drained
and filled in.
20th Century: The century of the most devasting wars all time
saw the tower being damaged harshly during the second world
war. Its glory was restored and now it serves as one of the
most famous land marks and tourist attractions all over the
world.
Opening Timings
Mar - Oct as follows:
Tue - Sat - 09:00 - 18:00
Sun - Mon: 10:00 - 18:00
(Last Admission 17:00)
Nov - Feb as follows:
Tue - Sat - 09:00 - 17:00
Sun - Mon: 10:00 - 17:00
(Last Admission 16:00)
