It has served as a fortress, royal court, prison, torture chamber, place of execution, and museum since it was built by William the Conqueror over 900 years ago. What is it?

Few landmarks in the world can claim such a long and varied history. Begun by William the Conqueror shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066, this imposing fortress on the north bank of the River Thames was designed to protect and control London. Officially known as His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, its central White Tower was a symbol of Norman power that has dominated the city's skyline for nearly a millennium.

While it served as a grand royal residence for centuries, its reputation is more famously tied to its darker roles. The fortress became a notorious state prison for high-profile figures, from Queen Anne Boleyn and Sir Walter Raleigh to the legendary "Princes in the Tower." It gained infamy as a site of torture and execution, cementing its formidable place in English history. The phrase "sent to the Tower" became synonymous with impending doom.

Beyond its grim history, the complex also housed the Royal Mint, an armory, a public records office, and even a royal menagerie of exotic animals. Today, it primarily functions as one of the United Kingdom's most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Millions visit each year to see the iconic Yeoman Warders, the legendary ravens, and to gaze upon the priceless Crown Jewels, which are still housed there under armed guard.