Tower of London Building

This was a huge highlight of London.   There's over 900 years of history here.  This is where the Crown Jewels are displayed.   First established in 1066, the structure continued to grow until 1547 when it came close to it's current layout as seen today.  (Click on the photo for a closer look.)

The White Tower marks the start of what we see today.  It contains a display of arms and armor from the collection of the Royal Armories.

Throughout its long history, the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of executions, an arsenal, royal mint, menagerie, and jewel house.  (Click on the photo for a closer look.)

This is Traitor's Gate where many prisoners entered the Tower for the last time.  They say this is the most haunted place in London due to the number of beheadings and executions that were performed here over the years.

Yeoman Warders (often called 'Beefeaters') have been at the Tower of London since the 14th century.  Today they combine their traditional ceremonial role with that of tourist guide.

The Byward Tower originally contained a draw bridge.  Until 1843, the moat was full of water.

This is one of the many haunting doorways in the Tower.

One of the outer Towers.

A King's thrown... or better known as a primitive toilet.

This model shows the layout of the buildings and grounds.  (Click on the photo for a closer look.)

This is the Waterloo Barracks which houses the Crown Jewels.  There was a strict no photography policy in the building.  You didn't even have time to gawk.  They had moving sidewalks that swiftly moved you past the display of jewels.

There was a guard outside of this building.

Wall of the Inmost Ward.  (Click on the photo for a closer look.)

Another look at The White Tower.  (Click on the photo for a closer look.)