Officially named, His Majesty’s Royal Palace And Fortress - Tower of London, used to be protected by a detachment of the regiment on guard at Buckingham Palace and St James' Palace.
Currently the Guard is being provided by different units which are rotated weekly. (Schedule below)
The Tower of London Guard comprising of one officer, 6 NCO's and 15 soldiers, post sentries outside the Jewel House and the Queen's House.
The sentries, at the Tower of London are changed every two hours and you can see them being posted and receiving their orders on a visit to the Tower.
The sentry at the Jewel House, is there, along with the Yeoman Warders and the Jewel House wardens, to protect the Crown Jewels.
The second post at The Queen’s House is a silent post, where the guard does not stamp his feet or make loud noises, which could disturb the occupants. Even when an officer makes a tour of inspection the sentry will whisper the reply ‘All’s Well’!
The Ceremonial Opening takes place at 09:00 when the Duty Yeoman Warder and a military escort open the Middle and Byward Towers. Once the ceremonial opening is complete the public is allowed to enter the Tower of London.
At 15:00 The Officer of The Guard and escort, march to the Byward Tower to collect the Word.
The Word is the password, which is changed daily, for after-hours entry to the Tower of London. The Word used by Tower staff, residents and the soldiers on duty.
Every night the Guards and Chief Yeoman Warder take part in the Ceremony of the Keys, when the Tower of London is locked up for the night.
Find out about the Ceremony of the Keys and how to apply for free tickets and the opportunity to witness a ceremony that has been performed every night for more than 900 years at the Tower of London.
The Tower of London
The Tower of London, standing guard over London for over 900 years, is despite a grim reputation as a place of torture and death, one of London's most popular attractions.
Meet the famous Beefeaters see the priceless Crown Jewels and more on a visit to the Tower of London.
Address: The Tower of London London, England EC3N 4AB
By Underground
Tube station closest to the Tower of London: - Tower Hill - District or Circle lines
Dockland Light Railway
DLR station closest to the Tower of London: - Tower Gateway Station
Follow the signs from the stations main entrance to the Tower which is about five minutes walk away.
By Rail
Nearest stations: - Fenchurch Street or London Bridge
By Bus
Numbers of buses that stop near the Tower:
Numbers: 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1
By River
Nearest river access: - Tower Pier
Riverboats for Tower Pier depart from Charing Cross, Westminster and Greenwich.
By Car
Nearest car park: - Lower Thames Street about two minutes walk away
The Tower of London is in the congestion charge zone
The Visitor Oyster Card is the cheapest and most flexible way to travel around London.
Valid on London Underground, buses, trams and the Dockland Light Railway (DLR).
The London Travelcard gives you access to unlimited travel on London Underground trains, buses, Docklands Light Railway, trams and overland trains within London.
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