On the left of the entrance is the stone causeway, recently excavated, which spanned the moat. This was made by Edward I in 1282-3, and at its outer end stood the Lion Gate, with a drawbridge, the pit of which can be seen. The causeway led to the Lion Tower, so-called because from 1252-1831 the Royal Menagerie was housed next to it.
This tower was semi-circular, and was surrounded by a moat, and part of its site is now occupied by the Restaurant and by the Ticket Office, where visitors obtain tickets of admission to the White Tower, the Bloody Tower and the Jewel House. A second drawbridge connected the Lion Tower with the Middle Tower.