The Tower of London was home to the kings and queens of England for many years. (Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain's sovereign since 1837.)
The Tower of London was a prison and many famous prisoners were held there including Sir Walter Ralegh – he was held in the Bloody Tower for 13 years but made use of his time by writing The History of the World (published in 1614) and growing tobacco on Tower Green. The Tower of London held prisoners from the middle and upper classes so there are no dungeons.
Public executions were held on Tower Green, including two of Henry VIII's wives: Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
The Tower of London was once surrounded by defensive walls and a moat. The moat is now drained and in the summer there are events and concerts held here and the winter there is the Tower of London Ice Rink.
The White Tower was the original Tower of London and now houses a display of weapons and armory. It was built by William the Conqueror from around 1080 to 1100. He brought his own secondhand stone from France to build the Tower.
