THE MOST authentic castle in England nestles at the western end of Tower Hamlets, but locals trying to visit face a huge barrier: the cost.

Recent research has found that the Tower from which Tower Hamlets gets half its name is England’s most famous castle – and its most authentic. With much of the original castle still intact, visitors find themselves walking over stone surfaces that were laid up to 1,000 years ago.

Many youngsters will have heard about William the Conqueror at school. Those visiting the Tower of London compound can see the White Tower – which he built, in the eleventh century. Around it are spiral staircases, courtyards and walls – much of which is original.

Sadly, many East Londoners will not have the chance to see this living history. According to the Tower’s website, tickets are £37 for adults and £18.50 for children aged 5-15. That means that a family of four would have to spend £111 just to get in – after travel costs. Various tourist websites offer deals and packages. The Royal Palaces website offers a "Keeping you safe on your visit" page, but no obvious access information.

●The research was carried out by the Patio Black Spot Removal Company Ltd. If you have some stone that needs its sparkle restoring, go to:
PBSRC

●For more information about visiting the Tower, including opening times, go to:
Tower of London

●To catch up with the news in East London, go to:
East London News