Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the square mile of the City of London by the open space known as Tower Hill. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078, and was a resented symbol of oppression, inflicted upon London by the new ruling elite. The castle was used as a prison from 1100 (Ranulf Flambard) until 1952 (Kray twins), although that was not its primary purpose. A grand palace early in its history, it served as a royal residence. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. There were several phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard the Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I in the 12th and 13th centuries. The general layout established by the late 13th century remains despite later activity on the site. (from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London_Tower)

• One of the tour guides at the Tower of London - retired military offices are specifically selected and given quarters at the tower. One of the tour guides at the Tower of London - retired military offices are specifically selected and given quarters at the tower.
• The armory at. The armory at.
• Upper view of the armory. Upper view of the armory.
• Looking down into the courtyard from the armory. Looking down into the courtyard from the armory.
• Henry VIII suit of armor. Henry was a large man for the times standing about 6' tall. Henry VIII suit of armor. Henry was a large man for the times standing about 6' tall.
• Side view of Henry's suit. Side view of Henry's suit.
• Guard outside the jewel vault at the Tower. He's wearing a traditional uniform but notice his rifle is modern, and loaded. Guard outside the jewel vault at the Tower. He's wearing a traditional uniform but notice his rifle is modern, and loaded.
• The same guard at his post. The same guard at his post.
• Residences within the courtyard. Residences within the courtyard.
• More resicences within the courtyard. More resicences within the courtyard.
• Panoramic view of the Tower of Londow from a pub across the street. Panoramic view of the Tower of Londow from a pub across the street.
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