London grew to become the biggest city in the world from 1812 to 1918, and its astonishing expansion over the centuries has resulted in a fascinating mishmash of architectural styles. Very few medieval buildings remain due to the Great Fire of 1666, the Blitz, modernizing planners and numerous other factors. But the White Tower made it through, though it's no longer white.

London's oldest intact building was actually first whitewashed in 1240 during the reign of Henry III. That's when it got its name. But the practice stopped in the 17th century under Charles II, whose master architect Christopher Wren preferred the original stonework. The name, however, stuck.

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