Tower of London Wharf

The Tower of London Wharf flanks the River Thames, and runs adjacent to the great stone walls of the famous, historic castle. The Tower of London itself, is one of England’s most popular tourist attractions and a World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1066, soon after the Norman invasion and King Harold’s defeat by William the Conquerer at the Battle of Hastings. The central White Tower was added in 1078 as a formal keep, facilitating a secure royal residence for the new king and his representatives. The Tower of London is patrolled by the famous ’Beefeaters, or the ’Yeomen Warders of His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary’, as they are more formally known. Their main job is to watch over the Tower, protect the Crown Jewels, and guard any state prisoners help captive within the walls. From 1100 until 1952, the Tower of London gained its notorious reputation as a prison. It held captive the likes of Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes and even the infamous, East End gangsters the Kray twins. During medieval times, prisoners would often be taken by boat along the river to pass beneath the old London Bridge, through ’Traitors’ Gate’ and into the dungeons of the Tower, to await their unfortunate fate. Since 1661, the Tower has also been the home of the nation’s most famous treasures - the Crown Jewels. Over the years, the precious jewels have been subject to several attempted thefts. Perhaps the most famous was in 1671, when a notorious villain named Colonel Thomas Blood, dressed in disguise and attempted to steal the jewels. He had concocted a cunning plan, but after a vicious scuffle with armed guards, he was apprehended and the Crown Jewels were fortunately recovered before he was able to take his escape. The Tower of London is also the home of at least six black ravens. These famous birds are looked after and cared for by the Ravenmaster of the Yeoman Warders. Traditionally, the ravens are believed to protect the Crown and the Tower. Indeed, an age old superstition suggests that "if the Tower of London ravens are lost or fly away, the Crown will fall and Britain with it."