Tower of London, symbol of British Monarchy

A little under a millenium ago, in the year 1066 to be exact, William the Conqueror founded the Tower of London as a symbol of Norman rule. Initially built with timber, it grew to become the imposing stone structure it is today through the efforts of Richard the Lionheart and Edward I. This castle is considered to be one of the most endearing in Europe.

While the tower is famously known as the residence of past monarchs, it also gained a rather dark reputation as a place of torture and death, even though only seven people were executed between the 11th and 19th centuries. Interestingly, the twelve executions between the first and second wars in the first half of the 20th century outnumber the previous nine hundred years of the tower’s existence.

However, it’s not the number of people who died in the tower that may have captured attention but the identities of those imprisoned there. Some of these include William Wallace, Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Elizabeth I, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes, Rudolf Hess and the two princes named Edward and Richard. And of its former prisoners, it is said that the ghost of Anne Boleyn still walks the tower’s halls today.

Apart from ghosts, the Tower of London‘s other two-legged residents are a bit more unusual. Hailing from the crow family, ravens took up permanent residency after Charles II decreed that at least six should always be present, lest the monarchy fall. Apart from a residence and a prison, the Tower of London was used as a barracks, an armony, the royal mint, and even a zoo for exotic animals. Today, it is home to the Crown Jewels and is one of the most popular destinations in the United Kingdom.

Visiting the United Kingdom would not be complete without stepping into the confines of the Tower of London. Being nearly a millennia old, it has such a great impact on the British monarchy that Unesco declared it a world heritage site.

Where to stay

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences is located in the post district of Mayfair and it is an exclusive family run five star hotel of London which boasts an elegant independent personality. The new look of this exciting property is by British agency Kinnersley Kent Design which perfectly combines the spirit of the area, from the spectacular architectural lobby and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows that give the impact of being in Green Park that it is situated opposite.

The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences offers to its guests a captivating and elegant retreat close to Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Buckingham Palace and all the facilities like boutiques, bars, restaurants, musuems and so on of Mayfair neighborhood. It offers 132 rooms, 12 suites, 18 residences and The Penthouse Suite which takes pride in its individuality. The Michelin brothers, Christ and Jeff Galvin overseen the food and beverage area of the hotel, from breakfast to afternoon tea, from lunch to dinner but also private dining experiences and last but not least the 24/7 In Room Dining.

All the guests can get benefit of Spa facilities and gym. The latter provides strength training equipment and cardio machines to name a few. There’s also relaxation areas within the REN Spa. Children are so welcome at The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences because there’s a Children’s Concierge and many of the fully-serviced residences were designed with families in mind. Last but not least the Living Wall is a captivating vertical garden that goes from the street level to the 10th floor Penthouse.