Overview The Tower of London, often simply referred to as the Tower, is an iconic symbol of London’s history and one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Initially built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century as a symbol of Norman power, it has served various roles throughout history, including as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and treasury. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Tower’s history is its association with imprisonment and execution. Many notable figures, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and Queen Elizabeth I, were held prisoner within its walls, and several were executed on Tower Green.