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[title]The word ‘iconic’ is often overused – but if it doesn’t apply to the Tower of London, we don’t know what does. In its nearly-1000 years, London’s instantly recognisable castle has seen it all; fascinating unsolved mysteries, royal beheadings, fierce power struggles, and during the Blitz in the Second World War, heavy aerial bombardment. To mark the 80th anniversary of the ending of this terrible war, the Tower of London has unveiled ‘The Tower Remembers’: a display of nearly 30,000 ceramic poppies inside the Tower. It’s the perfect time to visit this London landmark whether you’ve visited before, or you’ve been meaning to. Let’s delve into it a bit more, shall we?
Why ceramic poppies?
Back in 2014, the Tower of London became encircled by 888,246 ceramic poppies, each one representing a military life lost during the First World War. It was to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War, and between July and November, was visited by five million people from around the world. The poppies gradually filled the Tower’s moat, in an installation called ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’, by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper. Many of us will never forget the powerful image of the poppies ‘bleeding’ from the Tower. And so to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, the Imperial War Museum has lent nearly 30,000 of those same poppies back to the Tower of London to create a new installation.
What does this display look like?
Created by designer Tom Piper, this display reflects the impact of the war not only on the military, but on everyday Londoners. It looks like a ‘wound’ in the heart of the Tower – which was bombed during the Blitz – and then pour across the lawn overlooked by the ancient White Tower. The crimson flowers form a crater on the lawn, with ripples flowing inwards. In Piper’s words: ‘We hope that this new display will provide an opportunity to reflect on the impact of war not just on military personnel, but Londoners and people across the country. Once again, it is installed in a place which is an enduring symbol of strength and survival, which has stood, wounded but resilient throughout London’s turbulent history’.
How long will it be on display for?
Fittingly, the installation opened on May 6, in advance of VE Day on May 8. It will run until Armistice Day on November 11, when the ceramic poppies will return to the Imperial War Museum.
What else is there to see at the Tower of London?
So much! A trip to the Tower of London is seriously entertaining, whether you’ve been plenty of times or it’s been on your list for ages. Don’t lose your head on a fascinating Yeoman Warder tour, where friendly Beefeaters will regale you with bizarre, intriguing and sometimes gruesome tales of the Tower’s history. Pay the ravens a visit and learn why they’re known as the guardians of the Tower, get up close to Henry VIII’s armour and, more poignantly, the memorial for Anne Boleyn, executed by the swift stroke of an expert swordsman in 1536. Of course, no visit is complete without visiting the dazzling Crown Jewels, which are even more stunning IRL than you expect. You’ll come away with more tidbits of knowledge than you thought possible; did you know, for example, that from the 1200s until 1835, the Tower was home to exotic creatures like polar bears, elephants and lions as part of the Royal Menagerie?
Is it good for families?
You bet! Kids and adults alike are entranced by the stories of the Tower of London. Little fans of Horrible Histories will be in their element. Not only are the Yeoman Warder tours super family friendly, but there are other interactive exhibits throughout the Tower as well as entertaining live performances.
‘The Tower Remembers’ runs at the Tower of London from now until November 11, 2025. Entry is included in palace admission, which is £35.80 for adults and £17.90 for children aged 5-15. Concessions available (Members go free). Find out more.