School visits to the Tower of London will now be able to learn about the kings and queens who shaped it and lived there, with a new exhibition in the Medieval Palace covering areas of the Key Stage 3 history curriculum.
Scheduled to reopen on 23rd May, the Medieval Palace at the Tower of London will feature a permanent display of the royal apartments that hosted medieval kings and queens.
The exhibition will be open to visitors exploring the Tower of London, including self-led school visits, and will transport them to the 13th century through stories of London’s medieval past, hands-on interactive activities and new displays, which will include illustrations and objects on view to the public for the first time.
Charles Farris, public historian at Historic Royal Palaces, said: “The 13th century saw the Tower of London grow to become the magnificent landmark it is today, greatly influenced by the ambitions and personalities of Henry III and Edward I. This new display aims to immerse visitors in this fascinating period of history.
“We want to bring the Medieval Palace to life and introduce visitors to some of the fascinating people who lived and worked here. We look forward to visitors engaging with these stories for years to come, as we open this new permanent addition to the Tower’s visitor offer.”
“We want to bring the Medieval Palace to life and introduce visitors to some of the fascinating people who lived and worked here.”
Charles Farris, public historian at Historic Royal Palaces
What’s included in the Medieval Palace?
The display will touch on areas featured in the Key Stage 3 history curriculum, including the development of Church, state and society in Medieval Britain 1066-1509, with links to the monarchy in the 13th century.
Illustrations will tell the story of life in the palace and of the royal household on the road, while the walls of the palace will feature recreated medieval textiles, culminating in Edward I’s bedchamber - which has been recreated using research from medieval accounts.
The display will also shares stories from the lives of less well-known individuals from the royal household, and a number of objects will go on show in the Lanthorn Tower, including a portable altarpiece from the 13th century and silver coins minted at the Tower during the reign of Edward I.
School visits to the Tower of London
The Medieval Palace is included with admission, along with access to the Jewel House and Tower of London. School groups of up to 150 pupils can visit from Monday to Friday during term time for pre-booked visits at a reduced education rate.
The Tower of London is very popular and bookings need to be made well in advance. School bookings for the 2025-26 academic year will open in June.
When visiting, self-led activity trails are available for Key Stages 1-4 and cover historic themes including castles, Normans, the Medieval period, Tudors and crime and punishment. Onsite school sessions are available at an aditional cost and are led by experts who bring the history of the Tower to life through interactive learning opportunities.
Lunchrooms are available for Key Stages 1 & 2 subject to availability.
For more information about visiting the Tower of London go to www.hrp.org.uk.
