Since 1845

The Crown Jewels are protected by bombproof glass, and visitors to the tower are closely watched by more than 100 hidden CCTV cameras. The security of the Tower of London as a whole is provided by the 22-strong Tower Guard, which has been at the Waterloo Block since 1845. They are on detachment from the British Army and “operate under orders agreed with the Ministry of Defence to ensure the security of the Crown Jewels”.