The Tower of London overlooks the Thames at the eastern boundary of the old city walls and is London's original royal fortress by the river. 

The Tower of London is situated just south east of the City. It is over 900 years old and is a World Heritage site. It is famous as a place of imprisonment and execution. It has variously been used as a royal residence, an armoury, a mint, an observatory, and a safe-deposit box for the Crown Jewels - a function it still serves.

The Crown Jewels are perhaps the major reason for many visitors to go to the Tower. At least some of the Crown Jewels have been kept in the Tower since 1327, on display since Charles II let the public have a look at them. The oldest piece of regalia is the twelfth-century "Anointing Spoon"; the most famous is the "Imperial State Crown", sparkling with a 317 carat Indian diamond, a sapphire from a ring said to have been buried with Edward the Confessor, and assorted emeralds, rubies and pearls.

Although you can explore the Tower complex independently, it is a good idea to join up with one of the guided tours, given every thirty minutes by one of the forty-odd Beefeaters, known for their scarlet and gold Tudor costumes.