The Tower of London is far more than just a historic castle; it was London's first zoo, home to exotic animals for over 600 years. Founded by King John in the early 1200s, the Royal Menagerie housed lions, a polar bear that fished in the Thames, and an elephant, remaining a popular attraction until it was closed in 1835 and the animals were moved to what is now London Zoo.

10 Surprising Tower of London Facts

For nearly 1,000 years, the Tower of London has been a fixture of the city's skyline and history. While known for its connections to royalty, prisoners, and the Crown Jewels, many of its stories are less familiar. Here are some of the most fascinating and unexpected facts about this iconic fortress.

  1. It was London’s First Zoo: For over 600 years, the Tower housed the Royal Menagerie, a collection of exotic animals given as royal gifts. The first animals arrived in the early 1200s during the reign of King John and included lions, an elephant, and even a polar bear that was allowed to swim and hunt for fish in the River Thames. The menagerie was finally closed in 1835 by the Duke of Wellington, and the animals helped form the new London Zoo in Regent's Park.
  2. The Ravens Are Official Guardians: Legend says that if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress, the Crown and Britain will fall. This myth is believed to have originated during the reign of King Charles II (1660-1685). Today, there are usually seven ravens at the Tower (the required six plus a spare), and they are cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster. To ensure they don't fly away, their wings are carefully clipped.
  3. The Crown Jewels Contain Over 23,000 Gemstones: The world-famous Crown Jewels, secured in the Jewel House, comprise over 100 objects and are adorned with a staggering 23,578 gemstones. The Imperial State Crown alone features 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies.
  4. Its Official Name is Much Longer: The landmark's common name is just a shorthand. Its full, official title is His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. This reflects its long history not just as a fortress but also as a royal residence.
  5. Few People Were Executed Inside the Tower: Despite its grim reputation, only seven people were executed within the Tower's walls before the 20th century. These were private executions for high-profile prisoners like Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, to avoid public spectacle. Most executions, over 112 of them, took place in public on nearby Tower Hill.
  6. The Last Prisoner Was Held in 1952: The Tower's use as a prison extended into the modern era. The last people held there were the notorious London gangsters, the Kray twins, in 1952 for failing to report for national service. The last state prisoner was Nazi leader Rudolf Hess in 1941.
  7. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1988, the Tower of London was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The designation recognises it as one of the most complete examples of an 11th-century fortress palace in Europe and for its profound impact on British history.
  8. It’s Haunted by a Headless Queen: The ghost of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife beheaded in 1536, is said to be the Tower's most famous spirit. Her headless spectre has reportedly been seen walking near the site of her execution on Tower Green and in the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, where she is buried.
  9. It Was Built by William the Conqueror: Construction of the central White Tower began around 1078 under the orders of William the Conqueror, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It was built to intimidate and control the defeated Londoners, serving as a symbol of the new Norman power.
  10. The Royal Mint Was Based Here for 500 Years: For over five centuries, most of the nation's coins were made at the Tower of London. The Royal Mint operated within its walls from the late 13th century until it was relocated in 1810 due to a need for more space.

Frequently asked questions

Why was the Tower of London built?

The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror starting around 1078 to act as a fortress and royal palace. It served to protect and assert Norman royal power over London after the conquest of 1066.

What is the Tower of London famous for?

The Tower of London is most famous for housing the Crown Jewels, its iconic Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and its history as a royal palace and infamous prison. It is also well-known for the legends of its resident ravens and the ghosts of famous prisoners like Anne Boleyn.

How many jewels are in the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels collection contains more than 100 objects decorated with over 23,000 gemstones. The most famous piece, the Imperial State Crown, alone has 2,868 diamonds and hundreds of other precious gems.

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