Welcome to Aldgate, Stepney and Wapping

The world famous Tower of London stands on the River Thames on the western boundary of the borough. It dates from the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and in the past 900 years it has been as a fortress, royal palace, zoo and state prison.

The Tower now houses the Crown Jewels, as well as the Imperial State Crown made for Queen Victoria's coronation and worn by the current Queen at her coronation.

Visitors can see the site of the scaffold where Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey were executed, have their photo taken with the Yeomen of the Guard who wear the distinctive red and black costumes and are known as Beefeaters. Then there are the black ravens that have always lived at the tower - there is a legend that if they ever leave, the kingdom will fall.

Just beyond the Tower, a short walk will take you to St Katharine's Dock. One of the first of London's docks to be restored, its latest additions include pubs, shops, restaurants and an attractive marina. Historically, it was established at the end of the 18th century with warehouses importing tea, rubber, marble, ivory and sugar.

Travelling east along the river, Wapping was the landing point for generations of watermen and the setting for Dickens' novels. The name Wapping comes

from the original Saxon settlement of "Waeppa's people". The more recent history and character of Wapping is closely bound up with the Port of London, and in particular with the development that began during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.