What is London's oldest building? Inside The White Tower

From Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the House of Commons and more, London has history on every doorstep.

However, there is only one place that can claim the title of the 'oldest building in London'.

While there are few that have been around a long time, there is only one that has remained in its original structure since it was built in the 11th century.

@historic.royal.palaces We’d never stop raven about this job 🦅 Yeoman Warder Barney Chandler updates us on how he's settling in as the Ravenmaster and shows us part of the ravens' morning routine at the Tower of London... 🏰 #TowerOfLondon #Raven #Ravenmaster #LearnOnTikTok ♬ original sound - Historic Royal Palaces

What is the oldest building in London?

According to Historic Royal Palaces, the White Tower is London's oldest building, dating back to the 11th century, when William the Conqueror ruled.

Often known as the heart of the Tower of London, the White Tower is the oldest intact building in the capital, that was built to stop foreign invaders.

Once a royal residence, the White Tower earned its name from the colour of the stone used in its construction.

The tower was built to be multi-purpose, making it the castle's strongest military point while providing accommodation for royals.

Have you ever visited the White Tower? (Image: GAID P.KORNSILP)

After the building was completed in the 1000s, The White Tower held prisoners including Guy Fawkes and the Jesuit Priest John Gerard.

Still to this day, the Tower holds the original executioner's block from the 18th century and an axe dating to the Tudor times.

RECOMMENDED READING

• You can still eat at London's oldest restaurant, more than 200 years after it opened
• What is the oldest pub in London? The history of London pubs
• These are 5 of the oldest pubs in London you can still enjoy a pint in

The Historic Royal Palaces share that it's now "believed that the block and axe were used at the last public beheading on Tower Hill in 1747."

Nowadays, you can still explore The White Tower and see the Royal Armouries collection, which includes armour from Henry VIII and Charles I.

You can even try out some of the weapons at THe White Tower with the Armoury in Action experience.