Norman powerSince 1066 AD, the year of the momentous Norman invasion, the Tower of London has stood as a sign of the strength of England and a fearsome reminder to anyone who challenges the security of the realm or the authority of the king. When the Norman Duke William the Conqueror took control of England he went about establishing his authority across his new kingdom. He immediately began building castles throughout the country, bringing the impressive fort-building skills of Normandy with him, the likes of which England had never seen. These huge stone structures represented the might of the Norman lords and their armies, and struck fear and awe into the conquered English. The most important of these castles was the Tower of London. Around 1078 the Conqueror added what has come to be known as the White Tower, which is also where the castle gets its name. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, surrounded by a moat and high stone walls, it was in an ideal location to defend from attack, and, at least for the first century or two, also reminded rebellious Londoners who their new overlords were. Princes, wives and twinsFor over 800 years the Tower was also England’s most dreaded prison, and in its time has held some of the most high-profile names in European history. During the Wars of the Roses, the Tower was the site of the mystery of ‘The Princes in the Tower.’ When King Edward IV died his 12-year-old son became Edward V. However, young Edward’s uncle and guardian went to Parliament, had Edward and his younger brother legally declared illegitimate, and took the crown for himself, becoming Richard III. The young princes still had many powerful supporters, so in order to prevent them becoming a figurehead of rebellion Richard had the boys locked in the Tower. Shortly after they were imprisoned it was reported that the boys had mysteriously disappeared. They were never to be seen again. To this day historians still argue over the fate of the Princes in the Tower. Was Richard III the murderous hunchback of Shakespeare or did the conspiracy go even deeper? The Tower is also where Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were notoriously executed along with their alleged lovers. In 1952, East End gangsters the Kray twins were among the last prisoners to be held here. Ravens, jewels and poppiesDespite its often grim history, the castle has always been primarily a royal palace. During the Middle Ages it was tradition that before the coronation ceremony of a new monarch the next king or queen would spend the night in the Tower of London in preparation for the big day. It was also probably the first zoo in England, housing the royal menagerie, which visitors can see today. The menagerie has been empty since 1835, but there are still seven ravens - cared for by the resident Raven Master - to be found living next to Wakefield tower. Legend has it that if the birds leave, the Tower will fall. Visitors may also see the magnificent Crown Jewels of England, which have been on public display since 1960. From November 2014 the Tower has been the site of Paul Cummins and Tom Piper’s Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, a deeply moving installation of 888,246 ceramic poppies in commemoration of the lives lost in WW1. The castle, host to compelling historical mystery and brimming with stories of kingship, romance, and murder, remains a vibrant and fascinating destination.

A place of suspenseTower Bridge is a Victorian bascule suspension bridge crossing the River Thames. Designed by Horace Jones in 1884, it is a beautiful construction with two tall fortified bridge-towers: this distinctive silhouette has become one of the major emblems of the city. The bascule operating machinery which raises and lowers the bridge to allow river traffic through is located in the base of each tower. One famous incident occurred in 1952 when one of London’s red buses became stuck on the bridge as it began to lift, forcing driver Albert Gunton to make an audacious jump across the rising levels. The 3ft leap resulted only in minor injuries for some passengers, and Gunton received a £10 award for bravery. Climb on top and get insideSince 1982, the Tower Bridge Exhibition has offered visitors the chance to climb up to the walkways at the top level of the bridge which connect its twin towers, as well as to learn the history of the bridge and take guided tours of the various rooms. From the high walkways you will be treated to amazing panoramic views of London which rival even those from the London Eye. With the recent addition of the glass floor on the walkways visitors can watch life go by literally beneath their feet, adding to the thrilling experience of being above the city. The walkways are also available to book for private receptions, corporate dinners and weddings: the maximum capacity over both halls is 250 people. The Exhibition also includes the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the bridge’s original steam engines and hydraulic machinery (now replaced by modern motors), and also may be reserved for special functions of up to 120 guests. The beautifully decorated North Tower Lounge, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, likewise offers a truly unique venue for daytime and evening events. This is a smaller space with spectacular views of the city and river which can hold about 50 guests and is licensed to host wedding and civil partnership ceremonies. Tower Bridge is a London icon; even if you don’t fancy the height of its famous gangways, it is well worth a trip to the riverbank for a glimpse before you leave the city.

Bridging the gapLondon Bridge – not to be confused with the more extravagant Tower Bridge – has perhaps the richest history of any bridge in London. Nearly 2000 years ago, the Romans constructed a succession of wooden crossings over the river and established the settlement called Londinium which became the Roman-British capital. With the end of Roman rule in the early 5th century, this early incarnation of our bridge fell into disrepair; it was rebuilt some time during the 9th or 10th centuries, possibly by Alfred the Great or Ethelred the Unready, and played an important role in conflicts with the Danish invaders. Throughout the early years following the Norman conquest of England the bridge was destroyed - by a tornado in 1091, and a fire in 1136 - and was rebuilt and strengthened with timber a number of times. Eventually, Henry II had it rebuilt in stone and created a special guild known as the Brethren of the Bridge to be responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This arched structure had a drawbridge to allow large vessels to pass through, defensive gates at each end, and a chapel in the centre dedicated to the martyr Thomas Becket. Within a few years many shops and houses took up residence there and flourished. By the year 1500 there were about 200 buildings on the Bridge, making it look more like a floating town between London and Southwark. Murders and martyrsFrom the reign of Edward I until the reinstatement of King Charles in 1660, the south gate of the Bridge gruesomely displayed the spiked heads of executed criminals. The Scottish freedom fighter William Wallace was the first head to be placed there. This medieval bridge remained in use for an impressive 622 years until it was deemed necessary to rebuild in the 19th century. The resulting ‘New Bridge’ was then packed up and sold in sections to an American oil and motor tycoon in 1968, after it was decided that the location needed to change when the bridge started sinking. It remains in use in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to this day. The London Bridge we see now, a concrete and steel box girder construction, was opened in 1973 and is about 30 meters upstream from the original location. Tombs and restaurantsOne of the best features the Bridge has to offer is ‘The London Bridge Experience’. This celebrated attraction gives tourists the history of the Bridge and takes you through the eerie hidden tunnels where actors will impersonate historical figures like the Keeper of Heads, who was responsible for displaying traitors’ heads on spikes during medieval times. This unique tour also takes you through the tombs underneath London. Terrifying ghouls and creeps of all kinds will jump out at you as you make your way through the underground labyrinth. The 19th century Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret is also located just by the bridge and is an interesting attraction for anyone keen on the history of modern surgery. Borough Market on Bankside is open Wednesday to Sunday and is always buzzing with people. It is the oldest food market in this ancient city, where you can find the best fresh produce from around the country, including cakes, cheeses, ciders, vegetables, meat and fish. There are also fantastic English restaurants close by such as Londinium, Roast, and Blueprint Café, which boasts excellent views. Many of the most famous buildings on the London skyline are accessible from London Bridge, including the Shard, a pyramidal glass structure which is the tallest building in Western Europe. Visitors to the Shard can climb to the top floors for exceptional views over London in all directions. Close by you can also find Southwark Cathedral, the oldest Gothic church in London, and celebrated wine-tasting centre Vinopolis.

Once a fringe playerSpitalfields is a covered market in East London. A market has existed on the site for over 350 years since King Charles gave a license for flesh, fowl and roots to be sold here. At the time it was a rural area on the outskirts of London. Since then, London has grown relentlessly, and Spitalfields is now finds itself nestled in the heart of the city, in the shadow of Christ Church. The ancient market retains its charm. The Horner Square and Horner Buildings which house part of it are both Grade II listed buildings that date from the late 19th century, and the original Victorian buildings, market hall and roof have been restored, making Spitalfields one of London’s major markets once more. Bargain HunterIn terms of wares, there is a bit of everything here. There are fashion stalls where you can keep your eyes peeled for a bargain silk shirt or a charmingly worn flannel one. Teetering piles of antiques reward a thorough perusal — looking for an underpriced treasure can become really quite addictive. You can try a little haggling too. Melting PotTrue to its roots, Spitalfields market remains an excellent place for food shopping. The dazzling array of fresh food market stalls make it a gastronomic paradise. Enjoy deli-style dishes, artisan breads and fairtrade products, or head to one of the glass fronted restaurants to enjoy a sit down meal and a respite from the mercantile madness. You can find food from anywhere: Italy, Mexico, Chinese, Indonesian, to name but a few.

An infamous East End neighbourhood synonymous with Jack The Ripper.

The sites of the 1888 Jack The Ripper murders. Now nestled amongst the bustle of modern London.

A handsome, Victorian pub in the heart of Spitalfields. Mysteriously frequented by several of Jack The Ripper's victims.

The second longest river in the UK the Thames is an iconic piece of London culture. Don't be put off by its murky colour it is actually one of the cleanest metropolitan rivers in European.

With a past dating back 800 years, this building is a wonderful jumble of architectural styles