Description
London's oldest building is its hefty medieval castle, constructed immediately after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, but more famous under the name of "Tower of London". As one of the capital's three UNESCO World Heritage sites (along with Westminster Abbey and Maritime Greenwich), the castle is one of the most visited sight in London, attracting nearly 2.5 million tourists annually.
The fortress revolves around the White Tower, one of Europe's largest keeps, erected by William the Conqueror in 1078. The tower was whitewashed during Henry III's reign (1216-1272), a face-lift which gave it its name. Its dimensions are impressive, measuring 36 by 32 metres (118 by 105 ft) at the base, and rising to a height of 27 m (90 ft).
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