The White Tower, Tower of London © 24 Hour Museum

Scaffolding has started to rise around the east part of the famous White Tower at the Tower of London in preparation for extensive £2m cleaning and conservation work over the next two years.

Three faces of William the Conqueror’s tower will have an overhaul between now and 2010, to preserve the 1,000-year-old stonework for future generations.

Performing many roles over the centuries, from royal apartments to prison, today the 27m high and 33m wide White Tower is home to unique royal arms and armour including that of Henry VIII and is part of the Tower of London World Heritage Site. As the world looks forward to London 2012, it is also,playing a role as a symbol of Britain.

“The White Tower at the Tower of London represents 1,000 years of defining moments of our history - but also 1,000 years of weathering and corrosion,” said Major General Keith Cima, Resident Governor of the Tower of London.

“Historic Royal Palaces will make a bold and visionary gift to the nation and world in 2012, in the form of a fully conserved and re-presented exterior to the White Tower such that it will remain one of Europe’s most significant 11th century buildings.”

A post graduate student from The Prince's Drawing School sketching the White Tower at The Tower of London. Photo: Richard Lea-Hair

An education and training programme is accompanying the work, with training placements, archaeology opportunities and an academic conference scheduled. In September, visitors will be able to get up close to the work during London’s Open House weekend.

From October 2007, people were invited to create an illustration for the scaffolding sheet that will cover the Tower in the competition, ‘Hung, Quartered and Drawn!’ The contest is now in the shortlist stage and the winner will be announced on March 10, with the winning drawing unveiled at the end of March. See the shortlist here: www.hrp.org.uk/drawn.

A blog at www.hrp.org.uk by the White Tower Project Manager will give readers insights into the day-to-day management of this enormous conservation project.

"The White Tower enjoys a unique place at the heart of British history; it is one the nation's oldest surviving buildings, it is instantly recognisable and has been the backdrop to some of the most defining moments of our nation's story,” commented historian and broadcaster Dan Snow.

“This conservation project, the drawing competition and the education programme are fantastic opportunities to understand more about the ancient and iconic White Tower, whilst ensuring it survives for the future."

The east face will undergo conservation until October 2008 and the north face and west face will be cleaned over the next two years. The south face was cleaned in 1997. Specialist stone conservers Carrek Ltd of Wells, Somerset, have been appointed principle contractor.