Building of the Tower of London on the river Thames was started by William the Conqueror, who ruled the island after defeating the Anglo-Saxon king in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The tower is in fact a castle, the former royal residence and a prison. Today it serves the function of a great tourist attraction, mostly due to the fact that the royal jewels are kept there as well as a large armory. The Tower of London is also popular for ravens, which circle around it continuously. The local legend has it that when the birds will be gone from the castle, the British Kingdom will collapse.
