The Tower of London Tour with a Blue Badge Guide

​Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, otherwise known as The Tower of London is certainly one of the most famous and most popular historic sites in the world and a designated  UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oldest part, the White Tower was built by William the Conqueror shortly after his arrival in London in 1066.  Visitors are usually drawn to the Tower of London to see its exquisite display of the Crown Jewels, some of which are regularly used by Her Majesty the Queen.  A royal residence for most of its history, it has had many other functions too over the years: It has been a state prison, a place of execution and torture, and in its time the tower has contained a Royal Mint, a royal menagerie and an observatory.  If it's drama you want,   your  Blue Badge Tourist Guide will entertain with the history of the Tower of London  with tales and anecdotes about this fascinating site.
 
Highlights include:

• The White Tower which was built nearly 1,000 years ago was considered to be a skyscraper when it was first built but today houses a huge collection of royal armoury, including several sets used by Henry VIII.

 

• The Crown Jewels are the absolute highlight  which include a 12th century spoon used during coronation ceremonies to annoit the Monarch, the crown which the Queen wears for the State Opening of Parliament every year and Cullinan I, the largest cut diamond in the world.

 

• The Beefeaters who began as bodyguards to the Tudor kings, and today continue to secure the Tower every night at 9.53 precisely in the Ceremony of the Keys, a ceremony which can be attended if you book well in advance.

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• Not to be missed is an opportunity to have your picture taken with The Ravens which wander around the Tower of London and are cared for by the Ravenmaster.