ˌTower of ˈLondon, the BrE AmE ( also the Tower )
a ↑ fortress (=protected group of buildings including a castle) in London next to the River Thames, built in the 11th century. The kings and queens of England lived there in the past, and many important people were kept as prisoners there. It is now a ↑ museum , and tourists visit it especially to see the Crown Jewels (=a collection of valuable jewels belonging to the Royal Family) . The Tower of London is guarded by the Beefeaters, who are dressed in old-fashioned traditional uniforms. There is an that if the ↑ raven s (=large black birds) ever leave the Tower of London, the British ↑ monarchy will end.