Is Tower Hill the place to chill?
Tower Hill has a fascinating history and its unmissable landmark the Tower of London was recently voted the UK’s number one paid attraction. Join What’s Hot London? on a journey through its tumultuous history and intriguing royal heritage. We also stop off at its lively riverside eateries and bars and discover hidden gem nature spots.
So What’s Hot Tower Hill?
. . .
History
Tower of London
Photo by Eddie Saint-Jean
Situated opposite Tower Hill station, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror in 1075 AD to strike fear into his Saxon subjects. His Norman forces defeated Anglo-Saxon king Harold Godwinsom at the Battle of Hastings and William ordered the construction of this imposing military stronghold to intimidate rebels and potential usurpers to the throne. The Caen stone castle certainly did that! Over the centuries, it has been used as a fortress, royal residence, royal mint and prison. It was Henry VIII who propagated its use as an impregnable prison for out-of-favour royals and enemies of the state. Ex-wives Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard and queen for nine days Lady Jane Grey were all imprisoned and executed here, as was his chancellor Thomas More who refused to accept Henry as the Head of the Church in England. More’s headless body was kept in the nearby All Hallows Church, Tower Hill. the oldest church in the City of London.
All-Hallows by the Tower
And if history and heritage is your thing, pay a visit to All Hallows Church. It was founded in 675 AD and its ancient undercroft is part of the original stone church on the site. In its crypt you’ll find artefacts from the Roman, Saxon and Norman periods discovered in the aftermath of heavy World War Two bombing.
St Olaves Church
St Olaves on Hart Street is a small but big-hearted medieval church. It’s inextricably linked to 17th-centrury London diarist and historian Samuel Pepys who attended services and is buried in the graveyard. There’s a plaque in the churchyard referencing Pepys mention of the church pews in his diaries. And look out for the skull carvings on the main entrance gate – Charles Dickens referred to the church as Saint Ghastly Grim because of these ghoulish carvings.
Roman Sites
Photo by Eddie Saint-Jean
You don’t have to look too far to find the remains of London’s Roman Wall. As you exit the Tube station, you’ll find a section of wall clearly marked out. The Romans built the wall in 200AD to provide extra protection from tribal incursions. There’s another section nearby just behind the Leonard Hotel. The hotel is private property but there’s pubic access to the wall, which is a designated heritage site. Look out for the wall’s slit windows where archers fired on enemies with this position offering greater protection from return fire.
Tower Bridge
Photo by Eddie Saint-Jean
It’s one of London’s most iconic landmarks and this year is its 130th anniversary. Did you know the reason it has the look of a Neo-Gothic castle is down to Queen Victoria? She saw the architects’ plans before construction and was concerned its modern, steely framework would spoil the view of the Tower of London. So the designers clad its steel frame in Portland Stone and Cornish Granite to compliment the aesthetics of the Tower. Also, it was originally painted a bright chocolate brown – Queen Victoria’s favourite colour.
Exhibitions
Explore Inside Tower Bridge
Photo by Eddie Saint-Jean
There’s 150 years of history on show in this museum inside the bridge. Learn about the 1876 competition to design the bridge and why Sir Horace Jones’ ’see-saw’ bridge was favoured by City of London Corporation judges. The glass walkways built in 2014 are popular with visitors. The transparent floor is all that separates you from a terrifying 33 metre drop onto the traffic below and there are panoramic views of the city skyline. Your £13 ticket includes admission to the historic Engine House a short walk away, where the centuries-old steam and hydraulics that once powered the bridge are on display.
Tower Bridge Exhibition – Launching A Landmark: The Unseen Opening Weeks
It’s the 130th anniversary of the bridge’s construction and there’s a free open-air exhibition displayed along the bridge on both sides of the road. You’ll discover fascinating facts about the bridge’s construction under Chief Architect Sir Horace Jones, Chief Engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry and Resident Engineer George Edward Wilson Cruttwell. The bridge’s road was made of wood until the engineers realised that timber just couldn’t weather the heavy traffic and nature’s elements. The splashing river water caused the timber to swell.
Food
Tower Hill Thursday Food Market
Chill out to the sounds of live Colombian folk music as you sample tantalising dishes from the Ceylon Roti, Falafel & Hummus, Korean Fired Chicken, Souvlaki and Jerk Chicken stalls.There’s even a pop-up bar. The market is nestled between the Tower of London and All Hallows Church, so a handy stop-off if you’re feeling peckish. Thurs, 11am – 3pm.
You might find yourself sweltering in their riverside igloos but it’s all very pretty! This restaurant and bar is an eye-catching find and right next to the Tower of London. They serve up Modern European cuisine and although there’s an intimate, romantic vibe for cosy couples, they also welcome coffee stops and office lunch breaks.
Drink
The Lawn
The Lawn
The Lawn is a vibrant al fresco bar with stunning views of the Thames and Tower Bridge. Stop off for an evening tipple here and experience the wonder of the neon-lit bridge and the magical dance of its reflected lights on the Thames. It’s situated at a lively tourist-friendly spot at the Tower Hotel where summer hordes visiting the likes of the Tower of London are drawn by the sounds of outdoor feasting and drinking. It’s mainly pizzas here and the bar prices are a little higher than the London average – but the wonderful views should swing it for you.
The Vault
The Vault
The Vault also has a pleasant spot on the riverside and al fresco seating with views of Tower Bridge and the Thames. On the Vault walls you’ll find photographs of the bridge from centuries past. The bar was originally the bridge’s coal store in an age where coal powered its engine rooms.
Nature Spots
St Dunstans in the East
St Dunstans is a welcome green sanctuary in the heart of the City of London. It has centuries of history – a church has been on the site since 1106. Architect Sir Christopher Wren had a hand in the 17th-century restoration but all that remains of Wren’s work today is the tower. The church was bombed during the Second World War and essentially demolished – only a few walls remain. But what magnificent remains! Gothic arches and windows draped in creeping ivy and verdant magic and mystery. This green beauty spot is now a public garden, so if you work in the area, take your lunch break here.
Trinity Square Gardens
Laid out in 1797, it stands as a national memorial to merchant seamen who lost their lives in the two world wars. The Tower Hill Memorial bears the names of all the merchant seamen who lost their lives at sea and have no graves. Similarly, the Tower Hill Memorial extension, unveiled in 1955, is a tribute to the Second World War dead whose bodies were never found. The Falkands Conflict war dead are commemorated with a sculptural bronze anchor and you’ll also find a memorial to those executed on the scaffold which once stood on Tower Hill. The garden won a Green Flag Award this year in recognition of its soul-soothing natural heritage.
