Fireplace Inside the Medieval Palace in the Tower of London, 2004

St Thomas's Tower, the Wakefield Tower and the Lanthorn Tower lay at the very heart of the medieval royal lodgings built by Henry III (1216-72) and his son Edward (1272-1307). Today they are known collectively as the 'Medieval Palace' and you can explore the stories of these two fascinating kings and their courts, at work and at play in the very rooms that they used. 13th-century royal life is evoked by stunning reconstruction, traditionally crafted furniture, films, sound, light and smell and fascinating interactive displays.

In St Thomas's Tower, run your hands over samples of costly Spanish woven fabrics, of the sort that once adorned the ancient walls of the Palace. Discover how our 'history detectives' piece together an accurate picture of the past, and how we research authentic reconstructions of objects and furnishings.

Then tiptoe into Edward I's own bedchamber (the King has just stepped out for a moment!) to see his splendid bed with heraldic hangings and green star-spangled bedposts.

Walk through into the beautiful vaulted room in the Wakefield Tower, a refuge for Henry III in troubled times, where stories of his time at the Tower are projected on the walls. Learn about our attempts to preserve the Riegate stone.

Experience court life in the Lanthorn Tower, where a display of original Medieval objects and images evokes how kings and queens lived their daily lives, entertaining, praying, ruling and relaxing...

Walk in the footsteps of Kings and Queens in the Medieval Palace.

Text from: www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/medievalpalace.aspx