The Tower of London is one of the most prominant landmarks in England's capital city. It was founded back in 1078 by William The Conqueror and built using stone which he had specially imported from France.

The tower has been used for many purposes over the centuries - royal residence, a prison, a place of execution - but today it is a tourist attraction and home to the Crown Jewels. Famous prisoners of the tower include Sir Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh and Guy Fawkes. Three queens - Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey - were all beheaded at the tower.

The Royal Family no longer live at the tower, however it does have a few other famous residents...the ravens. According to legend, if the ravens ever leave the tower it would mark the fall of the Monarchy. Although just superstition, all the ravens living at the Tower have had their wings clipped...just in case!

The stamp below was issued back in March 1977 as part of the British Architecture stamp set.

Illustration

Stamp of The Tower of London, 1977