The Tower of London, a historic castle founded in 1066, is located on the north bank of the River Thames and is one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions.
To coincide with the release of this Silver Proof Five Pound coin, minted to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee of 2022, we have brought together for you some fascinating facts about the Tower of London.
The Tower of London is the home of the Crown Jewels
Since the 17th Century, the Crown Jewels have been locked in the Tower, alongside other crowns, jewellery and robes.
The tower was was heavily damaged during World War II
The Tower of London became damaged by air-raid bombs during the 1940 Blitz. The damages were repaired quickly and reopened to the public after the war.
The Tower was originally used as a prison
Between 1100 and 1952, many people were imprisoned and executed at the Tower, despite this never being its intention.
Ravens are kept there
Ravens have always been present at the Tower. Now, there are at least six that are kept there permanently and have one of their wings clipped to prevent them from flying away.
The Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower since the 15th century
The Yeoman Warders were originally part of the royal bodyguard, however, now they need to have at least 22 years of military experience before they can be recruited.
The Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror
William the Conqueror built a fortress, now known as the ‘White Tower’, as a way of defending himself and proclaiming his royal power.
It was London’s first zoo
Henry III was inspired to create a zoo at the tower after he was gifted three leopards. This became known as the ‘Royal Menagerie’ and housed a multitude of wild and exotic animals.
People started visiting the Tower in the 19th Century
Three cages from the Royal Menagerie were used in 1838 to create a ticket office outside the Tower to encourage visitors.
It is a World Heritage Site
The Tower of London was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
The Tower of London’s symbolic keys
The Tower of London has keys which are used for ceremonial purposes only. These keys are given to the monarch whenever they visit, and they are to be returned to the Tower once the visit is over.
Featuring coloured enamel flowers against a backdrop of the Tower of London, secure this silver proof five pound coin HERE.