The Tower of London

The Tower of London is a famous castle on the banks of the River Thames in London, England. It was built almost 1,000 years ago by William the Conqueror. Over the centuries, it has been a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo. Today, it is one of England's most popular tourist attractions.

The Crown Jewels

The Tower of London is home to the British Crown Jewels. These include crowns, scepters, and other treasures used by kings and queens. The collection includes the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond. Armed guards and thick vault doors protect the jewels. Millions of visitors line up every year to see them sparkle.

Ravens of the Tower

Six ravens always live at the Tower of London. An old legend says that if the ravens ever leave, the tower and the kingdom will fall. A special person called the Ravenmaster takes care of them. The ravens' wings are trimmed so they cannot fly far. They are fed raw meat and bird biscuits every day.

Fun Facts

• The Tower of London once held a collection of wild animals, including lions, an elephant, and a polar bear.
• The polar bear was given a long chain so it could fish in the River Thames.
• Many famous prisoners were held in the Tower, including two young princes who mysteriously disappeared in 1483.

Did You Know?

The Tower of London is actually a group of several buildings, not just one tower. The oldest part, the White Tower, was built in 1066!