White Tower

The White Tower is a medieval keep at the heart of the Tower of London complex, built with Kentish ragstone and Caen stone reaching 27 meters in height. Its four corner turrets rise above the walls and enclose several floors with vaulted chambers and a chapel.

William the Conqueror ordered construction to begin in 1078 to secure Norman control over London. Later monarchs reinforced the walls and added new chambers over the centuries.

The chapel inside preserves its original Norman design with rounded arches and thick stone columns. Visitors today walk through the same space where medieval royalty attended private ceremonies and prayers.

The building houses the Royal Armouries collection with armor and weapons displayed across multiple levels. Rooms connect through spiral staircases in the corner turrets, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes.

Workers discovered two children's skeletons beneath the chapel staircase in 1674, possibly belonging to the missing princes held in the tower. These remains were later reburied in Westminster Abbey.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Made from material: Kentish ragstone, Caen stone, Portland limestone

Part of: Tower of London

GPS coordinates: 51.50810,-0.07598

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:42