The massive White Tower, is typical of Norman military architecture whose influence was felt throughout England. It was built from 1066 by William the Conqueror to protect London and to assert his power here. The Tower of London ensemble is rich with history that has subsequently become one of the symbols of royalty.
Located on Tower Hill, the whole complex is surrounded by thick stone walls. The buildings are accessed through the 13th century barbican, and two twin-towered gatehouses constructed by Edward I as an elaborately defended approach to the main outer gateway of Henry III on the site of Beauchamp Tower. Apart from the Chapel of St. John which is still used for worship, the four floors house and display parts of the Royal Armouries collection and the vaults house the Crown Jewels.
The Lower Cradle Tower was the original part of Edward III's private watergate. Other buildings include the Medieval Palace, the New Armouries Building, the Fusiliers Buildings (a former mid-nineteenth century officer's block). The Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula is the Tower's Church and resting place for several famous people. Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned in the Bloody Tower at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Many important events have occurred inside the walls of the Tower so that the ensemble is significant for both its historic buildings and their role in history.