The Tower of London and London serviced apartments

The Tower of London is one of the capital’s best known attractions; according to Historic Royal Palaces over 2.4 million people visited the Tower in 2011. It lies on the north bank of the River Thames and was founded in 1066 during the Norman conquest of England. The Tower of London is actually a castle deriving its name from the White Tower which is the keep of the castle where the Kings who lived there would have lodged. The castle has served as a royal residence, prison, menagerie, armoury, a public records office and many more. Today, tourism is its primary use and it is tasked with holding the Crown Jewels, a tradition which dates back to Henry III. The Jewel House is located in Waterloo Barracks and is protected by the Tower Guard. They are 22 strong with an additional officer. The Yeomen Warders or ‘Beefeaters’ as they are more popularly known also help to protect the Crown Jewels although their role is more concerned with managing the large number of visitors to the Tower. Unlike the Tower Guard, who rotate, the Yeomen Warders are permanent and live inside the Tower. There are currently around 30 Beefeaters living in the Tower of London as we speak.

Another aspect of the Tower that interests tourists, aside from its obvious historical importance, is the ghosts that are said to haunt it. The ghost of Anne Boleyn is said to haunt the chapel of St Peter ad Vincula where she was buried. Anne Boleyn was the second wife of Henry VIII and was beheaded in 1536 for treason, charges including adultery and incest. Modern historians view these charges as unconvincing and it is more widely thought that she was beheaded because she failed to produce a male heir. Her ghost is said to wander the tower carrying her head under her arm. Another reported ghost was that of a bear, perhaps from the time that the Tower was used as a menagerie. In 1816, a sentry told of an apparition of a bear coming towards him and he is said to have died of fright a few days later.

If you’re planning on visiting the Tower of London you’ll need to think about accommodation. Serviced City Pads offers an extensive range of London serviced apartments. We have apartments to suit every need and budget and in hundreds of locations across the city. Apartments are the ideal way to stay in London; they have all the comforts of hotels but with more space, privacy and flexibility. If you’re interested in booking one of our London holiday apartments then please give our reservations team a call now on 0844 335 8866 or email us on info@servicedcitypads.com.