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Guards at the Tower of London

Marvel at the guards protecting the Crown Jewels

See the sentries posted outside the Jewel House and The King’s House. Marvel at their military dress, unique to each regiment.

As serving military personnel, the Tower Guard work alongside the Yeoman Warders and the Tower Wardens to protect the Crown Jewels and ensure the security of the Tower of London.

The Tower Guard take part in the three daily ceremonies: the Ceremonial Opening, the Ceremony of the Word and the Ceremony of the Keys.

During the Ceremony of the Keys, armed guards provide an escort for the Chief Yeoman Warder. Performed at exactly 21:52 every night for hundreds of years, this ancient ceremony locks the outer gates of the fortress for the night. The keys are delivered to the monarch's representative in the Tower, the Resident Governor.

Information for visitors

Please be aware that sentries on duty are serving military personnel.

Visitors are advised to be respectful and stand clear when the guards are marching and performing their official duties.

When

Open

Ticketing information

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

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Different guard regiments on duty

Five Regiments of Foot Guards in the Household Division perform ceremonial public duties at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace and Windsor Castle. They are:

  • The Grenadier Guards
  • The Coldstream Guards
  • The Scots Guards
  • The Irish Guards
  • The Welsh Guards

Other UK and Commonwealth regiments have also performed public duties at the Tower.

Six soldiers from the Irish Guards are shown in "Home Service Dress" uniform of the scarlet tunic and bearskin (back view). The Fusilier's Museum is shown in the background.
Fortress Prison

Explore What's on

  • Tours and talks

Ceremony of the Keys

Be part of this ancient tradition, which has taken place every night for at least 700 years in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.

  • Daily
  • From 21:30-22:05
  • Tower of London
  • Separate ticket (advance booking required)
Learn more
  • Things to see
  • Tours and talks

Yeoman Warder tours

Discover captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture with our Yeoman Warder tours at the Tower of London.

  • Daily
  • Tours begin every 30 minutes
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Crown Jewels

Discover the dazzling history of the Crown Jewels in the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibition.

  • Open
  • Allow one hour
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more

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The Tower of London played an important role in the First World War

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For over 600 years, the Tower housed a menagerie of exotic wild animals

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Official Tower of London Guidebook

Descriptive, informative, authoritative - this superb guidebook is the best way to learn all there is about the Tower of London.

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