Construction Begins
The Tower of London was founded by William the Conqueror in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by 1078.
1066
1100
First Use as a Prison
Ranulf Flambard, Bishop of Durham, became the first recorded prisoner of the Tower of London in 1100. He managed to escape, making his imprisonment notable in the Tower's long history as a prison.
1204
Expansion Under King John
King John expanded the Tower of London, adding a moat and additional fortifications to strengthen its defenses.
1240
Henry III's Enhancements
King Henry III made significant improvements to the Tower of London, including the construction of the Wakefield and Lanthorn Towers and the expansion of the royal lodgings.
1275
Edward I's Additions
Edward I continued the expansion, adding the outer curtain wall and additional towers, turning the Tower of London into a formidable fortress.
1483
Princes in the Tower
The mysterious disappearance of the young Edward V and his brother Richard, known as the Princes in the Tower, occurred in 1483. They were last seen in the Tower of London and presumed murdered.
1533
Anne Boleyn's Imprisonment
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was imprisoned and later executed at the Tower of London in 1536, marking one of the most famous uses of the Tower as a place of execution.
1605
Gunpowder Plot Conspirators
Following the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, Guy Fawkes and other conspirators were imprisoned and tortured in the Tower of London before their executions.
1666
Great Fire of London
The Tower of London survived the Great Fire of London in 1666, although it was used to house those displaced by the fire.
1671
Attempted Theft of Crown Jewels
Colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London in 1671. He was caught in the act and later pardoned by King Charles II.
1841
End of the Royal Menagerie
The Royal Menagerie, which had been housed at the Tower of London for centuries, was closed in 1841, and the animals were moved to the London Zoo.
1914
World War I Executions
During World War I, the Tower of London was used to execute 11 German spies. This marked the last time the Tower was used for executions.
1939
World War II Use
The Tower of London was used as a prison during World War II. Rudolf Hess, a high-ranking Nazi official, was imprisoned there in 1941.
1988
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Tower of London was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.
2014
Ceramic Poppies Installation
To commemorate the centenary of World War I, 888,246 ceramic poppies were installed in the moat of the Tower of London, each representing a British or Colonial military fatality during the war.
2024
Ongoing Preservation Efforts
The Tower of London continues to undergo preservation and restoration efforts to maintain its historical structures and ensure its status as a premier tourist destination.
