This is a must see for anyone coming to London for the first time – it has (in my opinion) everything, especially for children brought up on fairy stories. You can see the amazing crown jewels, the special pageantry of the Beefeaters who are there to guard them – and also the famous raven, who have their wings clipped to stop them flying away because there is a legend that the White Tower will collapse if they go. (Just like something out of Lord of the Rings !) Construction of the White Tower, the centrepiece castle keep, began in 1080 during the reign of William the Conqueror. The Tower was strategically built to be able to defend against an attack  on the Thames by boat or ship, offering strategic protection to London and its valuable port facilities. Later , the Tower was built on and extended by successive kings and Queens to create the imposing castle and fortress of the Tower of London. It has also served as a prison, a place of execution (two of Henry VIII's seven wives were beheaded here) and the Royal Mint where the coinage was produced. It’s a must-see. Look also on the website: www.hrp.org.uk