Now that's truer than ever, as the museum stages a new exhibition telling the fascinating and sometimes macabre history of the Tower of London.

Starting today, 'Tower Tales and Traitors' looks at the many uses of the fortress down the years, from jewel house and weapons store through to menagerie and jail.

Its notorious roll call of prisoners includes Guy Fawkes, Sir Walter Raleigh, Rudolf Hess and even the Kray twins.

The museum will be welcoming a string of special Tower-related guests during the exhibition, including the Queen's raven keeper and a number of Beefeaters.

'Tower Tales and Traitors' runs until November 1. For more details, visit the www.royalarmouries.org .


The Tower of London's story can be traced back to William the Conqueror's reign in the 11th century. It was for many years the main home of the Royal Armouries until the nation's collection of arms and armour moved north in 1996 to the £40m base it now occupies at Clarence Dock in Leeds.