White Tower

The White Tower is the central stone keep of the Tower of London, constructed under William the Conqueror in the late 11th century. It is a defining element of the Tower of London complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The keep contains Norman stonework, historic rooms and the small Romanesque Chapel of St John, which survives with unusually complete medieval interiors. Exhibited arms and armour and battlement walks form part of the visitor route through the White Tower and provide insight into its military and ceremonial functions.

The White Tower is often visited as part of the wider Tower of London experience which includes the Crown Jewels, medieval towers and the Tower moat; the keep itself is a focal point for understanding the site’s early Norman architecture. Visitor circulation is via a set route with access points and displays inside the keep.

Built in the late 11th century as a royal fortress and symbol of Norman power, the White Tower has served as palace, armoury, prison and administrative centre at different times in its history. Its robust construction established a model for later medieval keeps in England.

The White Tower sits within the Tower of London complex on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, adjacent to Tower Hill and the City of London. It is served by public transport and pedestrian routes from the surrounding area.

• Date & significance: Construction of the White Tower began under William the Conqueror in the late 11th century; it forms the central keep of the Tower of London World Heritage Site.
• Architectural highlight: The Chapel of St John inside the White Tower is one of the best-preserved Norman interiors in England and open to visitors as part of the Tower route.

What to See #

• White Tower (keep): The central Norman keep built in the late 11th century, the White Tower is the core structure of the Tower of London complex and contains historic rooms and displays.
• Chapel of St John: The Chapel of St John, inside the White Tower, retains an unusually complete Norman interior and original stonework dating from the late 11th or early 12th century.
• Armoury displays: Armoury displays located within the White Tower house historic arms and armour collections that are part of the Tower's visitor exhibitions.