The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. The tower was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England and has served as a royal palace, prison, and fortress throughout its history.
The Tower of London is perhaps best known as a prison. Many notable figures have been imprisoned there over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Guy Fawkes. The tower was also the site of numerous executions, with the most famous being the beheading of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII.
In addition to its role as a prison, the Tower of London has also served as a royal residence. The castle's White Tower was built by William the Conqueror and was used as a residence by English monarchs until the 17th century. Today, the Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, a collection of valuable ceremonial objects used by British monarchs during coronation ceremonies.
The Tower of London is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the castle's various exhibits, including the White Tower, the Royal Armories, and the famous ravens, which are kept at the tower as part of an ancient superstition that predicts the downfall of the British monarchy if the birds ever leave. The Tower of London is also the site of several ceremonies, including the Ceremony of the Keys, which has been performed every night for over 700 years.