Introducing the Tower of London
Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London is in the centre of Britain’s capital city - and at the heart of 1000 years of British history. It’s famous as the home of the Crown Jewels, iconic Yeoman Warders or “Beefeaters”, legendary ravens, and bloody tales of prisoners and executions. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Historic Context
Since its initial construction began under William the Conqueror in the 1070s, the Tower of London has played a pivotal role throughout the turbulent periods of England’s history. Originally built as a fortress to defend England, the tower has served as an armoury, treasury, a public record office, and the home of the Royal Mint throughout its history. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the tower was repurposed into a state prison for high profile captives. In the Napoleonic era, the outer tower walls were reinforced to handle artillery and a barracks was constructed. Though much of the Tower was damaged during the German Blitzkrieg in World War II, the White Tower remained untouched. This building has survived many violent events and has adapted as time has progressed.
Tower of London Today
Today the tower houses the Crown Jewels and other royal treasures that are guarded by Yeoman Warders known as “Beefeaters”. More than two million visitors from around the world come to see the Crown Jewels each year, and the tower grounds are one of England’s most popular tourist sites. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is cared for by HIstoric Royal Palaces, an independent charity organization that is not associated with the government or the Crown. Since the 20th century, the Tower has been through two bombings and has been restored each time. The urban development that is happening in London puts the historic landscape of the Tower at risk, and it is currently a candidate for the United nations’ Heritage in Danger List.
Tap to explore
St. John’s Chapel
The Chapel of St. John’s is located on the second floor of the white tower and is one of the best examples of Anglo-Norman church architecture in England. Constructed in 1080 within the original keep under William the Conqueror, the structure was built with stone imported from France. Although it is believed to have been brightly painted, Henry III (1216-72) embellished it with stained glass windows representing the Virgin Mary and the Holy Trinity. Today the stark chapel interior is reminiscent of how it would have looked in the Norman era.
Expedition Overview
In February 2013, CyArk documented the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula and St. John’s Chapel within the Tower of London in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. The field team employed laser scanning and digital photography to document the chapels. The laser scan data was used to generate several CAD drawings which have been used in ongoing conservation activities.
3-D point cloud scan of Saint Peter's Chapel by CyArkCyArk
Additional Resources
For more information on this site, its history and additional resources relating to CyArk’s work please visit
CyArk Tower of London Resources.
Find out more about CyArk's work by signing up for our newsletter. You can also support our continued efforts on projects like this by donating.
This project was made possible through a partnership with Historic Royal Palaces
