The Tower of London: Older Than Your Grumpy Uncle's Jokes (But Way More Interesting)
So, you're planning a trip to jolly old England and the magnificent Tower of London has caught your eye. Cracking choice! But amidst the ravens, the beefeaters (guards, not a particularly delicious menu item), and the Crown Jewels, a question might pop into your head: just how old is this historic pile of bricks?
Well, buckle up, history buff (or curious tourist, no judgment here) because we're about to delve into the delightfully long lifespan of the Tower.
From William the Conqueror to Wifi Warriors: A Tower Through Time
The story begins in 1078, a time when William the Conqueror was busy convincing the locals that French was the new English (it wasn't). To show his dominance, he built the mighty White Tower, the OG structure of the whole complex. That means the White Tower is rocking a respectable 946 years old as of 2024!
The rest of the Tower wasn't built overnight (shocking, I know). Over the centuries, kings and queens kept adding bits and bobs, transforming it into a fortress, a palace (seriously!), a zoo (yes, really, with lions and such), and eventually, the tourist hotspot it is today.
Fun Fact: The Tower even has a resident ghost – the (allegedly) headless spirit of Anne Boleyn, one of Henry VIII's many wives who met an unfortunate end within its walls. Spooky!
Older Than... Literally Everything You Own (Probably)
Think about your phone. How old is that? A year, two? Cute. Your favorite pair of jeans? Ripped at the knees and possibly held together by sheer force of will? The Tower of London could have been a spectator sport for their creation.
The Tower has seen empires rise and fall, fashion trends come and go (thank goodness for the demise of puffy sleeves), and technological advancements that would make William the Conqueror faint (like, seriously, wifi? How is that even possible?).
Basically, the Tower of London is older than cool.
So, How Old Is the Tower of London, Again?
Just to solidify this knowledge nugget in your brain: the White Tower, the core of the complex, is 946 years old (as of 2024). The surrounding fortifications and buildings were added over time, making the entire Tower a fascinating timeline of English history.
Burning Questions Answered: Your Tower of London FAQ
How to get to the Tower of London?
Easy! It's located right on the River Thames in central London. Tube, bus, boat – there are plenty of options to get you there.
How much does it cost to enter the Tower of London?
Check their website for current prices, but factor in a few hours to explore properly – there's a lot to see!
How long did they keep lions in the Tower of London?
The menagerie (fancy word for zoo) existed from the 13th century until the 1830s. So yeah, they definitely weren't social distancing back then.
How many ravens live at the Tower of London?
Legend says if the ravens leave, the Tower will fall. There are always at least six ravens on duty, their wings clipped to keep them grounded (and presumably, from fulfilling that ominous prophecy).
How do I avoid getting beheaded like Anne Boleyn?
Well, don't upset the monarch. But more realistically, those days are long gone. The Tower is now a safe and fascinating place to visit.
