The year was 1066. Over in France, William, Duke of Normandy, gathered his troops. He crossed the English Channel, invaded, and occupied England. Ultimately taking the English throne, he became William the Conqueror. To consolidate his rule, he built this—the first stone fortress in Britain. Yes, the Tower of London.

Its purpose? Put 15 feet of stone between him and his new subjects. This original tower—formidable like nothing locals had ever seen—gave the castle complex its name. The style of the age was Romanesque, which the English call “Norman” for the invaders who imported it.

This stark yet serene Chapel of St. John—from 1080 and one of the oldest in England—provides a rare look at pure Norman architecture: round Roman-style arches and thick walls. You’ll see an intimidating collection of medieval weaponry and armor. Your entry includes a peek at the most dazzling crown jewels in Europe—sorry, no cameras—and an entertaining tour with one of the historic tower guards: a Yeoman Warder, or, “Beefeater.”

Beefeater: The Wakefield Tower just down there is named the Wakefield Tower after the battle of Wakefield, which occurred during the Wars of the Roses. After that battle, hundreds of Yorkist prisoners were captured. They were crammed into the lower dungeon and just left there to die in appalling conditions. Some say it’s the most haunted tower anywhere in the complex. In fact, people say to me all the time, “Gary, have you seen any ghosts while you’ve lived here at the tower?” What a great question. I’ve lived here now for two hundred and thirty-two years, and I’ve never seen a ghost.