London Art Tours - for the visitor to London who wishes to view and experience the incomparable art and architecture of the city, via galleries and exhibitions.

Tower of London Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB tel: 0870 7515177 www.tower-of-london.org.uk tube: Tower Hill 1st March-31st October: Mon-Sat 09:00-17.00; Sun 10:00-17:00 1st November - end Feb: Tues-Sat 09:00-16:00: Sun-Mon 10:00-16:00 admission: £13.50, £10 (conc), £9 (child)

Named after The White Tower begun in 1078, successive centuries have added a further nineteen towers to a complex which today is the most complete surviving medieval fortress in Europe. Officially designated "Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress" the building's survival over nearly 1,000 years has been, in no small measure, due to its adaptability. At various times it has been a castle, a mint, a zoo, an observatory, an armoury, a royal palace, a prison and a treasury. Today the distinctive Beefeaters guard the building which protects the Crown Jewels, the official regalia of the monarchs of England. Among them you will see the coronation spoon which dates from the 12th century, the Queen Mother's Crown including the Koh-i-Noor diamond, the Imperial State Crown with its 2,800 diamonds and the Sovereign's Sceptre on which is mounted Cullinan I, the largest top-quality cut diamond in the world. You may visit the suite of rooms where Sir Walter Raleigh was held prisoner (in relative luxury) and in stark contrast to the instruments of torture shown in the dungeons which guaranteed a confession from the most resolute of prisoners. Tower Green was the site of the most exclusive executions in British history. Just seven took place here; five of them women and three of them Queens of England. Elsewhere you will see the site of two regicides; Henry VI (stabbed while at prayer) in 1471 and where "The Princes in the Tower" King Edward V (aged 12) and his younger brother were murdered in 1483. Today the only 'prisoners' you will find are the ravens. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave The Tower will fall and so will the monarchy. The truth of the legend is unlikely ever to be tested since the wings of the birds are clipped. You will find a recreation of the medieval palace in St Thomas's Tower and the Wakefield Tower. Stand in the throne room as it may have appeared had you been in the presence of King Edward I in the first few years of the 14th century. The White Tower Royal Armoury display The Medieval Palace Traitor's Gate The Bloody Tower The Jewel House the ravens St Peter ad Vincula Chapel of St. John the Evangelist prisoners' graffiti Most tour companies give you so little time at the Tower that you will see only a fraction of these things. With London Art Tours we will design a thorough tour for you, one which fully reflects your own interests and does justice to this incomparable building.