Small Group Tours London: surprising facts about the Tower of London

Looking for an unforgettable experience in London? Small group tours London offer an intimate way to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks, and the Tower of London is no exception. This ancient fortress on the Thames has been a royal palace, prison, treasury, and zoo, holding centuries of British history within its walls. From legendary ravens to secret ceremonies, the Tower’s fascinating—and sometimes eerie—secrets make it one of London’s must-see sites. Here, we dive into surprising facts that come to life on Urban Saunters’ in-depth Tower of London tours.

Small Group Tours London to the Tower of London

1. The Secret Lives of the Beefeaters

Guarding the Tower of London are the famous Yeoman Warders, better known as the Beefeaters, whose role dates back to the Tudor period. Far from mere tour guides, they are deeply embedded in the Tower’s history, residing within its walls and safeguarding the Crown Jewels. Becoming a Beefeater is no simple feat—they’re exclusively recruited from seasoned military personnel with over two decades of service. Among their duties is the ancient Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly ritual that locks up the Tower with military precision and has been performed every night for over 700 years.

These Beefeaters even have their own hidden social club inside the Tower—a private pub called the “Yeoman Warders’ Club,” accessible only to Tower residents and their guests. For those visiting on Urban Saunters’ Early Access to the Tower of London Tour, you may have a chance to chat with a Beefeater as they prepare to start their day, adding a personal touch to the Tower’s vast history.

2. The Tower’s Wild Past as a Royal Menagerie

Surprisingly, the Tower was once home to exotic animals in a royal zoo known as the Royal Menagerie. Started by Henry III in 1235, the menagerie housed animals gifted from other monarchs, including lions, leopards, and even a polar bear, which was given its own chain to fish in the Thames. These animals were kept within the Tower grounds and drew crowds of curious Londoners, who had never seen such creatures before. The menagerie remained until 1835, when its inhabitants were relocated to form the foundation of the London Zoo.

Keep reading: Tower of London History

3. The Mysterious Fate of the Princes in the Tower

The Tower’s stone walls hold one of England’s greatest unsolved mysteries: the disappearance of the “Princes in the Tower.” In 1483, young Edward V and his brother Richard were held in the Tower under the watch of their uncle, who would soon become King Richard III. The boys mysteriously disappeared, and though skeletal remains were discovered centuries later, historians still debate what happened. This mystery has haunted the Tower ever since, contributing to its legendary aura.

4. The Dazzling Crown Jewels

Home to the Crown Jewels since the 1600s, the Tower holds over 23,000 precious stones, including the Imperial State Crown and the Sovereign’s Orb. These pieces, used in coronation ceremonies, represent centuries of British monarchy and are stored under the tightest security. The jewels’ rich history includes multiple foiled theft attempts, with one of the most famous involving the notorious Colonel Thomas Blood, who came dangerously close to stealing the crown itself.

With Urban Saunters’ Early Access to the Tower of London Tour, guests enjoy an exclusive viewing of these treasures before the crowds arrive. This rare opportunity to see the jewels up close offers a chance to marvel at these glittering artifacts and hear stories of intrigue that surround them.

Tower of London Opening Ceremony & Royal Westminster

5. Traitor’s Gate: The Infamous Entrance

Traitor’s Gate, an imposing water entrance, became synonymous with the tragic journeys of high-profile prisoners who passed through its stone archway. Many, like Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, entered through this gate, marking the beginning of their final days. Originally designed to secure the Tower from river attacks, it transformed into an ominous symbol of imprisonment and eventual execution for countless figures accused of treason.

6. The Ravens: Legendary Guardians of the Kingdom

According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the kingdom itself will fall. To protect this ancient superstition, King Charles II decreed that at least six ravens should always reside within the Tower grounds. Today, these legendary birds are looked after by a Ravenmaster, who ensures they are well-fed and keeps them entertained. Occasionally, a mischievous raven has been known to escape, creating a momentary stir that serves as a lighthearted reminder of this centuries-old superstition.

7. Tower Green: Site of Royal Executions

Tower Green is a somber spot within the Tower walls where high-profile executions took place, reserved for nobility and royalty. Figures like Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Catherine Howard met their fates here, each execution carrying significant political implications. This private area has long served as a reminder of the Tower’s darker past, where life and death decisions were often dictated by the political tides of the time.

8. The Moat’s New Purpose

The Tower’s moat, once a defensive barrier, has taken on a peaceful, almost poetic purpose in modern times. It no longer holds water but serves as a canvas for beautiful installations, such as the 2014 “Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red,” where hundreds of thousands of ceramic poppies honored British soldiers lost in World War I. During special occasions, the moat is transformed into wildflower meadows or commemorative displays that juxtapose nature’s tranquility with the Tower’s storied stone walls.

The Tower of London stands as more than just a historical monument. It’s a living museum of Britain’s past, where ancient stories, royal intrigue, and centuries-old legends come together. Urban Saunters’ Tower of London tours provide a personal journey through this tapestry, allowing guests to meet the Tower’s legendary residents and delve into stories that reveal the Tower’s enduring appeal. Each step taken within its walls is a step into the past, a chance to uncover secrets that only this iconic fortress can hold.

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Early Access to the Tower of London