Tower of London

                                                                       UNESCO World Heritage Site

State Party:united kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Type:Cultural

Criteria: ii,iv

Inscription 1988

Her Majestry's Palace and Fortress,The Tower of London or The Tower is an historic monument in central London,on the north bank of the River Thames.

The Tower of London is often identified with the White Tower,the original Fortress built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.

The Tower is a complex of several buildings within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat.

The Tower's primary function was a fortress,a Royal palace and a prison for high status and royal prisoners.This last use has led to the phrase "sent to the Tower "meaning "imprisioned.

It has also served as a place of execution and tourture,an armoury,a treasoury,a zoo,a mint a public records office,an observatory,and since 1303,the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Shakaspeare has stated that it was built by Julius Caeser but it isn't true.

Today it's a royal Palace,a museum and a treasure house.When you visit it,you are accompanied by the Yemon Warders.They are also called "Beefeaters",because in the old times,the king used to give them  a ration of beef as a reward.Today it contains some of the royal collection of armour and weapons.

In the jewel's house there are the magnificent crown jewels.Large black ravens have lived in the Tower since it was first built.

A legend says that if they disappear,the Tower will fall down.