The White Tower is the old Keep and is the oldest part of the castle. Evidence suggests construction of the White Tower began in 1075-1079 and it measures 118 by 105 feet at the base and rises to a height of 90 feet not including the corner towers. The castle's main point was as a military defence yet provided accommodation fit for the king and his representatives.

This view is on the south side from the path by the Thames and the timber-framed structure is 16th century (Tudor) although the windows were enlarged at a later date.

The top of the Gherkin can be seen in the right half of the picture.

A view of Byward Tower and the bridge across the dry moat from Middle Tower where most visitors enter the Tower. Beauchamp Tower can be seen on the left.

Every night, at exactly 9.52 PM, the Chief Yeoman Warder of the Tower comes out of the Byward Tower, dressed in red, carrying a candle lantern in one hand and the Queen's Keys in the other hand.

There is a Yeomand Warder (Beefeater) on the bridge.

During the Ceremony of the keys the Chief Yeoman Warder walks to Traitor's Gate to meet the members of the duty regiment Foot Guards who escort him throughout the ceremony. One soldier takes the lantern and they walk in step to the outer gate.

Traitors' Gate was built by Edward I to provide a water gate entrance to the Tower. Water from the Thames is visible at the bottom right corner of the picture.