Tower Of London By The River Thames, London, England Royalty-Free Stock Image

Grand view of the Tower of London from the south bank of the River Thames, photographed at sunset. Built by the Duke of Normandy, William the Conqueror, in 1078, the Tower has undergone several modifications by later kings, until the end of the 13th century. Initially serving as a royal residence, the Tower has served at different times as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It has also served as a prison from 1100 to 1952. It is now protected as a World Heritage Site, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.