The Tower of London was built at the beginning of the 11th century by
William the conqueror. The tower was expanded during the 13th century
into the fortified complex that we know today. The Tower's most popular
attraction is its famous collection of Crown Jewels.
Construction of the Tower of London was initiated in 1070 by William the
Conqueror, shortly after his victory at Hastings in 1066. The Tower was
built to enforce the power of the king over the newly conquered region.
The fortress, strategically located at the Thames, was originally not
more than a temporary wooden building which was replaced later by the
White Tower. Over time the complex was expanded into a stronghold with
about 20 towers.
Today the Tower of London is best known for its Crown Jewels, but it
used to be notorious for the many political opponents of the kings that
were locked, tortured and killed in the Tower. The Tower was also a
royal residence: several kings lived here, especially during turbulent
times when the donjon seemed a lot safer than the palace in Westminster.
