White Tower

The White Tower stands at the heart of the Tower of London in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Built of stone in the late 11th century by William the Conqueror, it was the castle’s strongest point and royal residence. The tower was later whitewashed by Henry III in 1240, giving it its present name. It once contained a royal chapel with stained glass and statues, and accommodated the king and his officials. The building also served as a prison, holding figures such as Ranulf Flambard and later the young Edward V. The White Tower’s military role evolved over centuries. In the 14th century its chapel stored royal records, and by the 16th century it became a major storehouse for gunpowder and arms. During the English Civil War, Parliamentarians captured the Tower without firing the cannons mounted on its roof. The tower’s structure was repeatedly altered to support heavy loads, including gun platforms and storage rooms. Archaeologists have found traces of earlier phases, including a forebuilding demolished in 1674. Inside, visitors find displays of the Royal Armouries’ collections. The chapel of St John occupies the upper floor, its walls still lined with medieval features. The ground floor shows Norman architecture with massive walls and small windows. From the battlements there are views across the Tower grounds and the River Thames. The tower’s austere stonework and simple whitewashed surfaces remain largely as Henry III left them.