For over 900 years the Tower of London has dominated the city of London and today is still one of the capital's most prominent landmarks and a world famous visitor attraction.
Throughout its long history the Tower has served as a royal palace and fortress, prison and place of execution, an arsenal, royal mint, menagerie, and jewel house. Today, London's great royal fortress is home to some of the most potent symbols of British history: the Yeoman Warders, Ravens, and Crown Jewels.
Two wives of Henry VIII lost their heads within the tower, as well as many other notable historical characters. The last state prisoner to stay in the Queen's House was Rudolf Hess, Deputy Führer of Nazi Germany. He was held there from May 17-21 1941.
