Things to do in London - The Tower of London

Situated near the river Thames, The Tower of London is popular within tourists as a place of imprisonment and execution. In the past the building fulfilled different functions as a fortress, an armoury, royal residence or observatory. It is where the Little Princes were murdered by their uncle Richard III, two of Henry VIII’s wives were executed and where Sir Walter Raleigh was kept imprisoned. Although the years of its bleak history passed long time ago, gloomy atmoshpere of torture and death is still present within the walls. It is a busy place of visits and guided tours due to the tremendous Crown Jewels that have been kept since the fourteenth century. Since that time they are available to the public and include the renowned 317-carat Indian diamond, called the ‘Kohinoor’. There are also multiple other gems like pearls, rubies or emeralds to be seen. Interesting thing about the towers is that they keep ravens there. The legend says that if the creatures ever leave the country, which is impossible because of their clipped wings, Britain will be invaded and conquered.