Tower of London

United Kingdom · United Kingdom · Tier A

Tower of London, a A-tier castle in United Kingdom

The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames, a fortress whose White Tower was begun by William the Conqueror around 1078 to assert Norman dominance over England. Expanding over centuries into a concentric castle of roughly 12 acres, it served as a royal palace, treasury, armory, and feared prison. Notable prisoners included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth I before her coronation.

State regalia were moved here in the 14th century; the Crown Jewels remain on public display. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, the Tower is open to visitors, with Yeoman Warder guided tours available. By tradition, six ravens must always be kept here; legend holds that the kingdom will fall if they ever leave.

Official site · Wikipedia

Visitor information

Location
United Kingdom
Country
United Kingdom
Tier
A (Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip)
Coordinates
51.5082, -0.0762
Official site
http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

Frequently asked questions

Where is Tower of London?
Tower of London is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 51.5082, -0.0762).
Can you visit Tower of London?
Yes — Tower of London is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/ for hours and tickets.
What tier is Tower of London on the Castle Atlas?
Tower of London is rated A tier on the Castle Atlas — Magnificent, well worth a dedicated trip.
What can you see at Tower of London?
The Tower of London stands on the north bank of the Thames, a fortress whose White Tower was begun by William the Conqueror around 1078 to assert Norman dominance over England. Expanding over centuries into a concentric castle of roughly 12 acres, it served as a royal palace, treasury, armory, and feared prison. Notable prisoners included Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Elizabeth I before her coronation.

All castles in the United Kingdom · Explore the full Castle Atlas →

The Castle Atlas
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Methodology

A castle here means anything Wikipedia lists as a castle — which often includes fortresses, palaces, monasteries, and châteaux. The list also includes historicist creations like Neuschwanstein, but only when their main construction was completed before the 20th century.

All castles are sorted into tiers based on nothing but the author’s vibe and whim. Feel free to rearrange them however you personally see fit. Ultimately, the criteria were not historical significance or defensive capability, but how exciting a visit there would likely be.