Battlements

South Battlements

Medieval Palace

Beginning at St Thomas’s Tower, the Medieval Palace brings the world of Edward I and Henry III to life. Soak up the grandeur of the royal apartments set above a magnificent archway, now known as the notorious Traitor’s Gate. This gate was originally a high status river entrance which allowed access to the royal apartments in medieval times.

Emerging from the Wakefield Tower, presented as Henry III’s throne room, you are hit with stunning 360 views looking over to the White Tower on one side and the Thames on the other.

These walls, and the Lanthorn Tower, are a Victorian imagining of the lost medieval walls. The river used to come right up to these now lost walls before the Outer Curtain was constructed by Edward I between 1280-90.

The walkway below, towards the River Thames, is called Water Lane as it once formed part of the river. After exiting the Lanthorn Tower, don't miss Edward III’s royal watergate – The Cradle Tower, which holds the Tower’s oldest medieval vault (ceiling) where more of the medieval world is brought to life.

Salt Tower

At the far end of the Southern Inner Wall, you will find graffiti scratched into the walls of the Salt Tower - left by prisoners almost 500 years ago.

This tower originally overlooked the Thames, and in times of trouble, archers on the ground floor were able to protect it by shooting through the five arrow loops. During peaceful times the room was a storehouse.

East Battlements

The Eastern Wall Walk recreates what it was like to prepare for conflict and defend the fortress in battle. Look down from the battlements here and you will also notice accommodation built into the outer walls, called the Casemates, where some of today’s Yeoman Warders live.

Broad Arrow Tower

From the 14th century, the Broad Arrow Tower was connected to the government department responsible for royal supplies – the Wardrobe. Today, the Broad Arrow Tower has been re-presented as a guard tower, its original use.

Fighting Platform

This addition to the East Battlements evokes the atmosphere of a fortress in operation, where the garrison would have assembled in case of attack. Hear the troops at peace and at war, under cover of the wooden roof that would have protected them from the elements – as well as arrows!

Constable Tower

Security breached! Tower raided! Here you can explore the remarkable story of the only time the defences of the fortress were ever breached – the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.

Martin Tower

This tower houses the Yeoman Warders at the Tower exhibition, which tells the story of the Yeoman Warder community. The exhibition explores their fascinating history, ceremonies and traditions.

North Battlements

The North Battlements offer spectacular views over the City and its towering skyscrapers, such as the Walkie Talkie and the Gherkin. At the foot of these buildings lies the Tower Hill execution site, where many Tower prisoners met their fate.

Brick Tower

For 600 years, wild and exotic animals were kept at the Tower of London. Discover why they were here and what their life was like in the Tower at the Royal Beasts exhibition.

Bowyer Tower

Discover the story of the Duke of Wellington – war hero, prime minister and Constable of the Tower of London.

Flint Tower

In the 20th century, the Tower continued to play an important defensive role for Britain. Hear the story of how this ancient fortress took part in a modern-day war and came under fire itself. The North bastion on the outer wall here was damaged by a bomb in World War II.