I Events at HM Tower of London Banquets, receptions and conferences Englishmen build the Tower for a Norman king “ Many shires whose labour was due to London were hard pressed because of the wall that they built around the Tower.” Anglo Saxon Chronicle, 1097 II 1 1 An invitation to enjoy this historic and breathtaking venue For nearly 1,000 years the has mellowed into a venerable Yeoman Warders and the mighty Tower of London has host. Whatever event you are priceless Crown Jewels. stood in service of the monarch, planning, we proudly invite you You will get personal service anchored on the shore of the and your guests to enjoy the from an experienced and River Thames. Like a loyal sentry, amazing venues available for hire Letting down passionate events team, as well armed with powerful stone walls, at this World Heritage Site. as the distinctive atmosphere the fortress has repelled invasion Today, the Tower welcomes of an historic castle, one with and protected the kingdom while millions of people each year, as centuries of stories for your securing high-profile prisoners they seek out famous stories of guests to take away. and precious contents within. wing-clipped ravens, colourful our guard Over time this seasoned warrior 2 3 Nearly 1,000 years of siege, 1455-85 1649 1660 1845 ceremony, triumphs, tears, Rivals fight for control of Parliamentarians King Charles II is The Duke of Tower history blood and even bears help England. The Tower is a are victorious in the restored to the Wellington – Tower site of celebration for bloody Civil War English throne. New Constable and hero create the remarkable victors – King Henry VII and execute Crown Jewels are of the Battle of in a word? atmosphere you will holds feasts and Charles I. They made; they go on Waterloo – tournaments here – and organise a sale display and narrowly reinvigorates the experience inside these a place of suffering and of the King’s escape being stolen Tower. He drains the Eventful. ancient stone walls. execution for the possessions and in 1671 (see p19). moat, getting rid of defeated. melt down the its stench by making Crown Jewels. it a dry ditch. He also lays the foundation stone for the Waterloo Barracks. 1070s 1252 1270s After defeating the A ‘white bear’ The Medieval Palace English in 1066 at the (probably polar) is built by Henry III Battle of Hastings, joins the Tower’s and Edward I (see William the Conqueror menagerie, a gift from p22). While the king – a Norman – begins a the King of Norway. is in residence, his massive stone tower at Medieval kings medieval hall the centre of his London exchanged rare and operates much like a fortress (see p14). strange animals as never-ending party. diplomatic gifts. 1530s King Henry VIII breaks with 1747 1191 Rome and establishes the Many are injured as public Prince John attacks Church of England. The stands collapse at the the Tower while Tower’s population of execution of Scottish rebel King Richard the 1279 religious and political Lord Lovat. Around 112 Lionheart is on crusade. The Royal Mint is prisoners swells. Henry’s high-profile criminals were Richard returns in 1194 established here. The prisoners (and those of publicly executed at the and regains control. groat of King Edward I is subsequent monarchs) scaffold on Tower Hill in its the first type of coin carve graffiti into the walls history. struck at the Tower. of their cells. 4 5 A legendary reputation Its larger-than-life characters, enduring traditions and amazing tales have made the The Tower secured Tower something of a the 4,700 gold, stronghold for powerful silver and bronze medals for the 2012 symbols of London. London Olympic Games, lending weight to its William the Conqueror Over 30 million people have seen reputation as the had a crucial purpose for the Crown Jewels here (see p12). ultimate safehouse. this now iconic tower The Imperial State Crown is perhaps (see p17) nearly 1,000 the most recognisable crown in the years ago: to strike fear world. On a certain day each year, in the hearts of when Parliament is opened, visitors Londoners, reminding will see a little notice in the crown’s them of his authority. showcase that says, ‘In use’. The ravens occupy the South Oft-married Yeoman Warders Lawn as symbols of the Tower King Henry VIII (nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’) and enduring royal power. had two of his have guarded the Tower Legend says the kingdom and wives executed since the 15th century. Tower will fall should the ravens at the Tower. For hundreds of years ever leave the fortress. Queens Anne they have performed the Boleyn (second ancient ‘Ceremony of the wife) and Keys’, the official locking Catherine up of the Tower each Howard (fifth night – a tradition your wife) were both guests can witness by accused of arrangement. adultery. The infamous Gunpowder Plotters spent time at the Tower for their failed Magnificent, shining suits of attempt on the life of King James I. armour belonging to English Guy Fawkes was held prisoner and knights and kings have been almost certainly tortured here. stored and displayed at the Imprisoned, Ambrose Rookwood Tower for over 500 years. and Everard Digby both carved their names in the walls. 6 7 Jewel House White Tower Martin Tower Royal Regiment Medieval Palace: Medieval Palace: New Armouries: New Armouries: of Fusiliers St Thomas’s Wakefield Banqueting Meeting suite Tower Tower suite p11 p14 p18 p20 p22 p23 p24 p28 Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Capacity Reception150 Reception250 Dinner12 Reception80 Reception40 Reception80 Reception300 Meeting100 suite 80 70 20 40 240 16 Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Dinner Boardroom 150 6 Lunch Syndicate room Tower turf Powerful. Intimate. Inspiring. Functional. Versatile venues to suit any occasion. Call us on 020 3166 6226 to arrange a site visit. 8 9 Jewel House Glittering Priceless Strong 10 11 Capacity Features 150 for reception – Jewel House receptions and 500 for private views private views of the collection Available for evening hire are a very popular complement and pre-opening to any Tower event – Knowledgeable wardens relate The space wonderful stories about the jewels No experience of the Tower is – Regalia has been re-presented complete without seeing the to mark Queen Elizabeth’s world’s most valuable array of Diamond Jubilee crowns, coronation regalia and – Enormous, priceless stones jewels. The fabled collection lies include the legendary Koh-i-nur, secure behind 2,000kg vault or ‘Mountain of Light’ doors, but before passing through guests can enjoy a reception in the spacious Hall of Monarchs. Jewel House “ Yes, these are the real ones.” Answer to the most frequently asked question of the Jewel House Wardens A Tower story Most of the gold and silver-jewel encrusted pieces on display are the objects used at the coronation of a sovereign. Some were created for Her Majesty The Queen’s coronation in 1953. St Edward’s Crown is considerably older – made in 1661. 12 13 Powerful White Ancient Tower Iconic 14 15 Capacity 250 for reception 80 for dinner Available for evening hire only The space At the centre of this ancient fortress and World Heritage Site is its oldest and most recognisable building – the White Tower. The King’s Great Hall on the first floor is a truly special space for dinners and receptions, and a magnificent experience at night. Features – A spectacular view awaits guests atop the wooden stairs, taking in the Tower complex and the River Thames, from Tower Bridge to the Shard – Adjoining rooms hold vast displays of armour belonging to English kings including Henry VIII and Charles I “ Did Julius Caesar White build that place, my Lord?” Prince Edward, from Shakespeare’s Tower Richard III A Tower story For many, the iconic White Tower is the ‘real’ Tower of London. Its famous silhouette is dominated by the ogee-shaped roofs King Henry VIII added to the turrets, part of his flamboyant preparations for Anne Boleyn’s coronation procession. Armour © Courtesy of theTrustees Board of of the Royal Armouries. 16 17 Capacity The space Features A Tower story 12 for dinner This cosy tower was once the – In fine weather guests benefit Security for the Crown Jewels has Available for evening hire storehouse for the Crown from access to a sheltered not always been as tight as today. Jewels. The Crowns and patio area or part of the In the 17th century, the shadowy Diamonds display inside reflects wonderful East Wall Walk ‘Colonel’ Thomas Blood’s attempt this history and makes it a – The Tower’s most intimate to steal them nearly succeeded. special venue for small, intimate venue, guests can dine beside The alarm was sounded by the son gatherings. Guests are just a few 12,314 diamonds of the elderly Jewel House Keeper steps away from fantastic views who’d been knocked unconscious of the rest of the fortress. by Blood’s thugs. Martin Tower “ Ambrose Rooke Woode” Carved into the wall of the Martin Tower by Ambrose Rookwood, imprisoned here for his part in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 18 19 Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington, praised his Fusiliers ‘who have so frequently been distinguished in this army’ after fighting at the Siege of Pamplona in 1813. Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Capacity The space Features A Tower story 80 for reception When this prestigious space – Excellent facilities including Constable of the Tower 70 for dinner is not hosting a regimental on-site kitchen and toilets George Legge founded the 40 for lunch function for the Fusiliers it is – Fine array of regimental silver Fusiliers in 1685.