Inside the Tower of London
Learn about the Tower of London’s formidable reputation, including its infamous defenses and medieval architecture. Experience what it might have been like to stand on the steps alongside the soldiers who once protected those same walls.
Imagine what it was like to be a medieval soldier working in this narrow but beautiful space.
Peasants Revolt of 1381
In the revolt of 1381, a peasant mob successfully attacked the Tower. This was one of many battles for the Tower.
The Tower of London is famous for many reasons. It is a very old tour that has existed for centuries, and it is still a working fortress today and still has a strong military presence available.
You’ll see some soldiers guarding the Jewel House and the King’s House and, of course, the famous Yeoman Warders (or “Beefeaters”) who have guarded the Tower for 500 years.
The Modern Fortress of Wellington
Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, was born on May 1, 1769 and became Mister Constable of the Tower in 1826. He remained Commander-in-Chief of the British Armed Forces until his death in 1852.
Wellington reacted to the new ways of warfare and began to build military hospitals, military baths and military breweries in the city of Dublin. He also demanded the closure of the Royal Menagerie in Tower and the removal of all animals after a series of vicious attacks.
He encouraged more people to see the site by increasing the number of visitors despite his reservations about public access.
Wellington dealt with the aftermath of a major fire at the Tower in 1841 and fortified the ancient fortress at a time of civil unrest, when the government feared that unrest and revolution would spread to London. It was a time of upheaval in England, France and Ireland, as well as revolutions abroad.
Guards at the Tower of London
The guard posts outside two of the city’s most prestigious buildings, the Jewel House and the King’s House, are quite impressive. Expensive and lavish decorations are unique to each regiment.
The Tower Guard uses the experience and training gained through their previous service to serve alongside Yeoman Warders and Tower Wardens.
The drill practiced by The Tower Wardens involves three daily ceremonies, the Opening Ceremony, the Ceremony of the Word and the Ceremony of the Keys.
At the Ceremony of the Keys, armed guards provide an escort to Chief Yeoman Warder. Done at exactly 9:52 pm, the outer gates of the fortress are locked for the night for security reasons. The keys are safely handed over to the Resident Governor.
Different Guard Regiments on Duty
Five regiments of Home Division Foot Guards perform ceremonial public duties at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle:
- The Grenadier Guards
- The Coldstream Guards
- The Scots Guards
- The Irish Guards
- The Welsh Guards
Different British regiments have long resided in the Tower of London. This can be seen in the similar architecture and in some parts of contemporary structures from different periods. The Tower has also served as a military prison and parliamentary library, where these regiments have played an important role.
Tower of London Crown Jewels
This magnificent collection of 23,578 precious stones, famous throughout the world, includes some objects that are still in use today.
Powerful Symbols of the Monarchy
The Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, are symbols of the British Monarchy and have deep religious and cultural significance in the nation’s history.
Crown of Investiture of the Prince of Wales 1969
The investiture crown of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will be on display for the first time at Jewel House in 2019. It will join the crowns of two other Princes of Wales who are also part of the Royal Collection, His Royal Highness the Duke and the Princess.
On July 1, 1969, Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales at Caernarfon Castle. He wore the crown that the previous prince had worn there before him and it is made of platinum and set with diamonds and emeralds. The new royal purple velvet and ermine cap also matches well!
Along with the crown, also on display is the wand used at the 1969 investiture, which was previously made for the 1911 investiture.
The Jewel House at The Tower of London
The Crown Jewels are housed in the Tower of London Jewel House. Being a priceless collection for royalty, the Crown Jewels are worn by England’s leaders and are still used on special occasions.
The Coronation Ceremony
Coronation ceremonies, since 1066, have been held at Westminster Abbey, one of England’s most historic buildings. It is here that the exhibits go through what happens during this time and explore the symbolism of each object presented at these ceremonies.
The Crown Jewels were partially destroyed in a fire in 1656 and were completely rebuilt for the coronation of King Charles II. These jewels are a symbol of royal authority and power to help lead and protect the nation.
Colonel Blood, Thief of the Crown Jewels
Colonel Thomas Blood on May 9, 1671 attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Martin Tower within the walls of the Tower of London.
Tower of London White Tower
The most famous Castle in Great Britain
The White Tower is Britain’s most famous castle keep, even more famous than the site that inspired it. It is a symbol of London and all Britons for standing firm against invaders and for their determination to never stop fighting for greatness.
Along with the rest of the White Tower, the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist is a World Heritage Site. The interior architecture is uniquely Romanesque in nature; artifacts from this era are on display, piquing the interest of visitors.
Home of the Royal Armouries
A visit to the Royal Armouries in London is a must-see attraction. Founded in 1544, it houses one of the finest and largest collections of arms and armor, as well as treasures from around the world.
On display here are royal armors worn by three historical figures: Henry VIII, Charles I and James II. Many of the pieces from the various phases of their reigns are displayed here in full color, so visitors can see their stories come to life.
Tower of London executions block
On the top floor of the White Tower, you’ll find some old execution blocks and an axe dating from around 1747. It is believed that this block and axe were used in the last public beheading on Tower Hill.
There is a long tradition of believing that the basement of the White Tower was used for torture and interrogation. It was traditionally believed that prisoners, such as John Gerard and Guy Fawkes, were tortured and interrogated here.
Tower of London Ravens
The Tower of London’s famous ravens are known as its guardians. They are prevalent throughout the Tower and are easily recognizable.
Tower of London Ravens Names
The birds we currently have in our Raven House are Jubilee, Harris, Gripp, Erin, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar and Branwen. Ravens are intelligent birds with unique personalities; they can mimic sounds or play games and solve problems.
The Legend of the Ravens in the Tower
It is said that the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave. There are currently nine ravens in the Tower.
It was believed that King Charles II was the first to protect the Tower crows because he felt that if they left, the crown and the Tower would be in danger.
John Flamsteed was the royal astronomer, and he expressed his displeasure at the king’s order to care for the ravens living in his castle. He felt that they were distractions and could be detrimental to his observations.
See the Birds of the Tower of London
Ravens are an important part of Tower lore and a symbol of power. They are only present during the day and help guard four territories within the Tower walls.
You may see crows munching on snacks in your snack, but you should be careful not to feed them or they may accidentally bite. You don’t want to anger them and they answer only to their owner, the Ravenmaster.
Meet Edgar and Branwen
Edgar and Branwen joined the Tower community in May 2021, where they celebrated their first year.
Tower of London Ravenmaster
Discover the story of the Tower of London ravens as told by Ravenmaster Chris Skaife.
Why are the Ravens’ Wing feathers clipped | trimmed?
The Ravenmaster sometimes clips the flight feathers of some crows to encourage them to stay in the Tower and call it home, since they get plenty of food and a comfortable enclosure there.
Some ravens have reportedly gone AWOL in the past and others have also been dismissed. One Muninn Raven flew to Greenwich and was eventually returned by a vigilant member of the public after 7 days.
George the Raven was sacked for eating TV aerials and Grog the Raven was last seen outside an East End pub.
A diet of Meat, Cookies and Blood
Crows are fed a diet of mice, chickens and rats. Not to mention they get blood-soaked cookies, their favorite snack!
Four Baby Ravens/Crows born at the Tower
The four baby crows have been born at the Tower of London as part of its repopulation plans. The program began in 2019 and has yet to experience any problems.
The Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys
On the left side of the building, footsteps echo in the darkness. The sentry shouts: “Halt, who is coming? The guard responds: “The keys”. Whose keys are these?” “The keys of King Charles III,” they say. A voice shouts, “Come in then, all is well.”
This is the only part of a conversation that has taken place since time immemorial. It is part of the traditional “closing” ceremony that takes place every day at the Tower of London until it reopens.
This performance takes place between the mighty battlements of the ancient historic fortress. It has been in existence for over 400 years, one of the oldest performances of its kind.
Although the monarchs no longer reside in the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels, which are some of the most valuable historical objects in the world, still remain there and it is important to keep this tradition alive to this day.
Important information for ticket holders
Tickets for the Ceremony of the Keys must be reserved well in advance. This event fills up quickly.
Bring the e-ticket accessed through the link in your reservation confirmation. Visitors will be admitted to the escorted attraction at 9:30 p.m. sharp. Late arrivals will not be admitted. However, their entrance fee is being refunded.
After the ceremony concludes, visitors will be escorted out. No restrooms or refreshments are available.
Line of Kings
Royal Armor and Surprising Tales
Henry VIII and Charles I are two incredibly famous kings from England’s history. Their tournament armor is displayed in the Tower of London.
One of them was an ornate decorative suit of armor made in c1510-15. This is the oldest of the six surviving suits of armor that were made for King Henry VIII, when he was a young man and looked great on his horse.
There are many other rare and superbly crafted pieces for both nobles and privates. The Royal Armories always display a great variety. Discover the armor of the “Giant”, the “Dwarf” or, better yet, discover beautiful pieces that were given as gifts to royalty.
History of the Line of Kings
The Line of Kings is one of the museum’s earliest exhibits and was created during the reign of King Charles II. It was installed to demonstrate his restored monarchy.
Historic armor was displayed on wooden figures in a parade of beautifully carved horses, Henry VIII, Charles I and James II.
Less popular kings and queens were left out of the display, as they did not contrast with the message the monarch wanted to express to early visitors to the Tower.
If you are interested in the history of the Tower, the Line of Kings and its fascinating stories, you will definitely enjoy the exhibition. More than 20 actual pieces have been restored so you can see things as they were hundreds of years ago.
Centuries of Visitors
When you visit King’s Line, you follow in the footsteps of 350 years of visitors from all over the world. There are also a host of interpretive exhibits where guests can learn how people from different walks of life strolled along what is known as “The Royal Mile.”
Cannon fire at the Tower of London / Gun salutes at the Tower of London
Special commemorative gunshots take place in the Gun Park located on the Quay. They close one hour before the gun salute begins and there is no access to parts of the Pier after that.
According to this information, there are likely to be 62 shots fired in total. The first round lasts 7 minutes and the second round lasts 4 minutes.
Gunsmithing Experience In Action / Armory in Action Experience
This is an exciting hands-on experience where participants learn about over 1000 years of history. You will compete in games against each other and explore “in the footsteps of historical characters” for a fun and rewarding day.
Attend our medieval archers workshop to learn how to make your own bow, string it and shoot a bow on target.
Henry VIII owned some exceptionally well-made armor. All of his personal armor, which he wore during battle, is on display in the White Tower at Greenwich.
Learn to fire a cannon with an English Civil War artillery captain and hone your fencing skills with a Napoleonic War training manual.
You can design your own musket and practice with it after watching the Victorian firearms superintendent talk about how the original 18th century weapon was modified.
Bloody Tower of London
Learn the fascinating stories and history behind the name “Bloody Tower” and explore the Tower of London’s most infamous prison.
Discover the Story of the Princes in the Tower
The Bloody Tower is associated with the alleged murder of Edward V and Richard in 1483. They are said to have stayed there on the orders of their uncle, Richard III.
The prince’s disappearance is one of the most intriguing stories in the Tower’s history. It became increasingly popular, and eventually came to be called “Bloody Tower” because of all the rumors surrounding it.
Sir Walter Raleigh in the Bloody Tower
Sir Walter Raleigh was a relatively well-known figure throughout the Renaissance, only to be imprisoned for signing Elizabeth I’s death warrant.
Explore Raleigh’s Study
The high-ranking incarceration unfolded in the Tower during the reign of Elizabeth I’s successor, James I. Raleigh spent a total of 13 years here, and was originally held in the Bloody Tower.
Raleigh had a large number of servants, but was unhappy with the limited space his family had. He decided to divide his house, improving the quality of life for him and those inside.
Learn about Raleigh’s inquisitive mind, his passion for poetry and science, and the herbal elixir he concocted here at Bloody Tower.
Raleigh´s Lost Garden
Sir Walter Raleigh, a prisoner of high status, had access to a courtyard outside Bloody Tower and cultivated a small garden.
Raleigh enjoyed the garden, using it for physical exercise and to grow his own plants. This was one way he concentrated after returning from his adventures in South America. Some of these plants are used to create Rale’s herbal elixir, one of Raleigh’s lifelong passions.
The curators of the Historic Royal Palaces researched the plants Raleigh used in his remedies and also planted a lawn for him. Today, the garden has been chosen based on this research.
See the Rake up close / See the Portcullis up close
The Bloody Tower was not only used to keep prisoners locked up, but also as a piece of frontier construction. It was designed both to keep people out and to protect prisoners from the outside world.
Tour the impressive Tower Rake, which could block the passage of the lower gate, and learn about its history as part of this medieval fortress.
Almenas / Battlements
Walk the Tower ramparts / Walk the Walls at the Tower
The battlements of the Tower of London have been in existence since the mid-13th century. They have provided shelter for kings and queens ever since.
The Ramparts Walk is a one-way route consisting of safety signage, hand sanitizing stations and safety markers that can help you explore the Medieval Palace and the secrets of these massive towers.
You can see how the Tower of London has changed over the years, from medieval times to the 20th century.
Formerly a royal residence, which also served as a zoo, and now the current protector of the Crown Jewels, the Tower confirms its status as a mighty fortress.
South Battlements
MEDIEVAL PALACE
The Medieval Palace is an experience in luxurious interiors where you can also enjoy an international chess game for a chance to win historic prizes.
ST. TOWER OF TOMÁS
Built in the 13th century, Edward’s Room is of great importance. It was used to receive important guests and much business was conducted in front of a large fireplace.
WAKEFIELD TOWER
Wakefield Tower was built by Edward I around 1265 and is connected to St Thomas’s Tower, a few years earlier. Explore the room and marvel at the carefully reconstructed throne, an object that may well have been the one used by Henry III for a council chamber.
DELANTHORN TOWER
You can explore rare objects dating from King Henry III, who ruled England from 1216 to 1272 and King Edward I (1239-1307). All these items are part of the Royal collection.
SALT TOWER
You will find graffiti left by prisoners, mainly as a form of punishment, including the Salt Tower, on the walls almost 500 years ago.
This tower was originally built in London and was able to withstand siege during medieval times. It had five frames that would allow archers to shoot through it, although residents could protect themselves with arrow slits. It was also used as a storehouse in peacetime.
East Battlement
BROAD ARROW TOWER
Broad Arrow Tower has served a variety of different purposes throughout history. It originally connected to the royal supply department, but has now been revived as a watchtower.
COMBAT PLATFORM
This addition to the Battles of the East mode recreates the atmosphere of a working fortress, where the garrison gathers in case of an imminent attack. Hear how it feels under and around your shelter in times of peace or war.
FORTRESS TOWER
Here you can explore the extraordinary story of the only time the fortress defenses were breached: the peasants’ revolt of 1381.
MARTIN’S TOWER
Today the Crown Jewels are located in different parts of the barracks, but between 1669-1841 they were stored in the Martin Tower. You can go and see them during their exhibition and discover their history.
From August 5-15, boots belonging to Lioness champion Alessia Russo will be on display, along with memorabilia belonging to AJ Clark. Ms. Russo was the second woman to be named Yeoman Warder of the Queen’s Guard in 2018.
You’ll stumble upon an artwork of a small baboon with wires woven into its fur. The entrance to the upper deck (pinnacle) of Bowyer Tower can be seen to your left, followed by a close-up view of North Walls and more buildings in the distance. A majestic view awaits you just outside any door!
North Battlements
ROYAL BEASTS
For 600 years, animals such as lions, hyenas, bears and monkeys were kept in the Tower of London. Find out why they were kept in this historic building and what it was like to live with them.
BOWYER’S TOWER
This is the story of the Duke of Wellington, war hero, prime minister and bailiff of the Tower of London.
FLINT TOWER
In the 20th century, Britain’s Tower of London proved to be an important fortress in defense of its country. Explore how this ancient structure helped contribute to today’s military operations.
Tower Imprisonment Exhibit
Learn about the trials and hardships faced by some prisoners during their stays in this famous tower. They were sentenced to life imprisonment in the very rooms where they had been held.
The Tower of London, a prison complex complete with dark and gloomy basements, has been the subject of many books and documentaries. Although most people imagine a huge place full of dungeons and dark corridors, the facts don’t reveal that to be true.
Some prisoners were incarcerated for years for petty crimes, with no hope of release. Others might collude to amass power and wealth in prison. Better treatment often depended on social and criminal status. Some had privileges and luxuries as servants.
Famous prisoners in the Tower of London
Imprisonment in the Tower tells many stories of people who found themselves here, including the infamous Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, Anne Boleyn and the Krays.
Explore the Beauchamp Tower
Beauchamp Tower is an important part of the inner defensive wall of Tower Green, an ancient and historic part of London, being built by Edward I in 1281.
The Tower is named after Earl Thomas Beauchamp and his imprisonment in the late 15th century. The Tower has taken on many different functions throughout its past and still serves an important role today.
Robert Dudley (Later Earl of Leicester)
From Sir Walter Raleigh to Sir Robert Dudley (under his son’s name), almost every friend of the Tudors has been imprisoned in the Tower because of their relatives’ clashes with Elizabeth I.
Dudley was imprisoned along with his three brothers and may have been placed in Beauchamp Tower.
The visitor’s view of the chamber includes an intricate carving that includes a plant, honeysuckle for Henry, a rose for Ambrose, oak leaves (known as robur) for Robert and a carnation (known as a gillyflower) for Guilford.
Thomas Abel
King Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, had a chaplain named Thomas Abel, who published a treatise that said it was illegal for the king to divorce Queen Catherine and was imprisoned for this inside Beauchamp Tower.
In the upper chamber of Beauchamp Tower there is still graffiti with the name “Thomas” on a bell with an “A” on the side.
Arundel is the name of an English family that lived in the 16th and 17th centuries and played a role in British history. Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, inscribed his family crest on the walls of Beauchamp’s upper chamber on 6/5/1587.
Philip Howard, Earl fo Arundel
Elizabeth I imprisoned the Earl of Arundel for 10 years in Beauchamp Tower for his alleged threats to national security.
There is a text on the wall of a tower in Arundel called “The more afflictions we suffer for Christ in this world, the more glory we shall have with Christ in the world to come.” This text has been carved there since at least 1150.
His execution was to begin four years later, but he finally died of an infection in 1595.
Medieval Palace
The World of Henry III and Edward I
Henry III, who ruled between 1216 and 1272, and his son Edward I (who ruled between 1272 and 1307) are two kings who lived during the medieval period. During their reign, they did much to help transform the Tower into what it is today.
When Henry and Edward expanded the Tower’s defenses in the 13th century, they also added a luxurious new palace. For hundreds of years, kings and queens stayed in these rooms.
Henry and Edward set out to improve the Tower’s defenses. As a result, they expanded the castle in the 13th century to include a luxurious new palace for leisure. The ancient castle housed kings and queens for hundreds of years.
INSIDE THE MEDIEVAL TOWER PALACE
The three towers known as St Thomas’s Tower, Wakefield Tower and Lanthorn Tower are collectively known as the Medieval Palace.
The towers currently retain the romantic and opulent interiors used by medieval monarchs while staying overnight during war or summer.
ST. TOWER OF SANTO TOMÁS
St. Thomas’s Tower was built in the late 1270s by Edward I, who hardly spent any time there due to its remote location. On his rare visits, he used the hall to meet important visitors and conduct business.
WAKEFIELD TOWER
Henry III of England built this tower in 1235. It was probably an audience chamber and a throne can be seen here.
LANTHORN TOWER
Lanthorn Tower contains rare artifacts dating from the years of Henry and Edward.
One of the most popular items is a battered lead toy knight, dating from around 1300 and reminds us that the Tower of London was not just a place for kings, queens and tough soldiers. It was also a place where children played and grew up.
The Magician and the King’s Bed
St. Thomas’s Tower houses an amazing room full of detail and memorabilia. There is a recreation of Edward I’s bedroom.
The first step in starting an accurate replica was to take the King’s financial records, which showed a payment of “11 shillings and a penny for timber, boards and sawn panels for a bed.”
There are a number of evocative spaces in the Tower of London, ranging from the Bloody Tower to the White Tower, but The Little Chapel is undoubtedly one of its most treasured places.
Real Beasts
Amazing animals kept in the Tower of London
The Tower of London was home to a variety of exotic animals, many of which attracted the attention of our monarchs, including lions, tigers, monkeys, elephants and zebras.
There are many amazing real-life stories that show animals adapting to unexpected situations. Some of these animals include the polar bear that fished in the Thames for food, the ostrich that ate nails and many more.
Explore the sights, sounds and smells of various animals at the zoo in a variety of exhibits while learning what they might have been like before some escaped.
STATUS SYMBOLS AND EXTRAVAGANT GIFTS.
King John in the early 12th century founded the royal menagerie, which once housed more than 60 different species of animals. This is where the tradition of kings and queens keeping exotic animals began.
Animals were also traded throughout Europe as royal gifts, but were often mistreated.
Life-Size Animal Sculptures
One of the best things you’ll experience when you visit the Tower is seeing all these life-size animal sculptures by artist Kendra Haste.
Other Institutions at the Tower
The Tower of London is one of many establishments in England founded in the 12th century. Others are the Royal Mint and the Royal Observatory.
Many organizations have moved and other functions have ceased over the last few hundred years.
The Fusilier Museum
The museum houses a collection of 12 Victoria Cross medals that were won by the British regiment. They have King George V’s uniform and King Edward VII’s bearskin hanging in the lobby and an eagle banner from the 82nd French Line Regiment captured during the Napoleonic Wars.
FORMER OFFICERS’ BARRACKS / Old Officer’s Quarters
The museum is located in the officers’ barracks building. This building was originally built for military purposes, but has since become a historical site. It is still used for ceremonial occasions and is where senior members of the army are entertained by military bands and fed in the Officers’ Mess.
TRAINING AND COMBAT
In 1685, to meet the needs of the new militia and garrison, King James II ordered the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to be formed. It was organized on June 20 on that day when the king issued a royal order.
The first to command it was the Constable de la Torre. The intended role of the Fusiliers was to protect the guns of the Tower of London. After passing through Belgium and Spain, they later joined the American War of Independence.
DISPLACEMENT / Moving Away
After moving from the Tower between 1881, the Royal Fusiliers settled in Hounslow for just over 200 years. A small number of soldiers remained before returning to England again in 1949.
Waterloo Block was established as a military building during the war to house single soldiers, while the houses established within the Tower, housed the spouses and children of soldiers.
The Tower of London was originally a fortification and is still home to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. It is also the headquarters of this regiment.
Today, the Yeoman Warders have taken over garrison duties. Three London District regiments form a turn, and each brigade takes its turn to day.
The Mint in the Tower: Coins and Kings
An interactive Exhibition
The Mint grew out of 12th century royal duties and over time became a powerful entity in its own right. It still operates today, but not in the Tower of London.
Learn about the coins used by some of history’s most prominent monarchs here. Coins generally depict power struggles or politics and are a reflection of the time period in which they were made.
The exhibition has been developed in collaboration with the Royal Mint Museum, a charitable institution and independent museum that houses the collection and archives of the Royal Mint.
Life on the Streets of the Mint
Life for the workers at Mint Street could be tough, but they had a close-knit community, which made it a family business. Explore this era and learn what life was like through various interactive exhibits and outdoor installations.
Amazings Stories
Coins and Kings is one of the few books that features a wide variety of stories that mark each era. From Sir Isaac Newton’s struggles against counterfeiting during the 18th century to stories of theft, ransom and even mysterious illnesses.
Exhibition on torture at the Tower
As you head to the bottom of the Wakefield Tower, you will learn about the methods of inflicting torture for over 250 years and see a variety of replicas of these instruments on display.
Torture was a common practice during the 1500s and 1600s, especially in the Tower for interrogation.
As mentioned, 48 prisoners were tortured here and that number is likely higher. Psychological torture also occurred during their imprisonment, resulting in many others being held in solitary confinement and giving up critical information about the conspirators.
Instruments of torture used in the Tower
THE MANACLES
Jesuit priest John Gerard was arrested, imprisoned and tortured in the 1590s. Protestant England had allowed Catholics to worship in secret, but public worship was forbidden. While in prison with other Catholics, Gerard later wrote about his experience as a prisoner in the Tower of London, including a description of each day during his first week in prison.
“Then they put iron gloves on my wrists and ordered me up two or three wicker steps. Then they lifted my arms and passed an iron bar through the rings of one gauntlet, and then through the claw and rings of the second.”
“This done, they nailed the bar so that I would not slip, and then, removing the wicker rungs, left me hanging by my hands and arms above my head.”
THE SCREW
Anne Askew wrote a diary detailing her time locked in the Tower of London called The Man on the Rack. This manuscript was smuggled out of prison and became an internationally famous literary work:
“As I lay still and wept not, my Lord Chancellor and Mr. Rich endeavored to torment me with their own hands till I was near to death…”.
Askew could not walk because of the torture, so she had to be carried carried carried to her execution.
THE SCAVENGER’S DAUGHTER
The scavenger’s daughter used the compression method instead of the stretching technique.
The replica found in Wakefield Tower holds the body tightly in a kneeling position. Choking or other complications from this position could result in severe pain and blood flooding the lungs, meaning it would be very difficult for them to breathe.
In the Spanish Armories of the White Tower there is a set of complex handcuffs with lock and key that are designed to twist the bones of the victims. They were designed to take advantage of someone’s weakness and prevent them from struggling.
Royal Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula
SUNDAY SERVICES
- 09:15 – Holy Communion.
- 11:00 – Matins (sung).
- 11:00 – Holy Communion (sung), on the last Sunday of the month.
Services are not provided on the following dates to ensure that we can accommodate any services for these days: August, December and Easter Sunday.
Christmas at the Tower of London
At Christmas, the Tower of London has different festive displays each year. In previous years, there were few decorations around the fortress. The latest festivities have seen decorations with lights and new designs.
Complete a perfect holiday with a delicious mince pie and hot chocolate in our cafe, then stop by the gift store to buy something special for that special someone.
Tower of London Yeoman Tour
Tours of the Tower of London start from the Yeoman Warder entrance, which is divided into two. The first way allows you to see the Jewel House, the Yeoman Warder Museum and the Ceremonial Chamber, where there are detailed explanations of how prisoners were held in earlier times. The second way is more adventurous, as it begins with a walk through medieval dungeons before continuing on to the next level of the tour.
When you enter the buildings alongside the Yeoman Warders, you’ll be greeted by historical works, which is a perfect opportunity for them to share their 1,000 years of real history memories in a fun and interactive way. Often, they will also point out interesting facts during their tours that most people might miss because they are too focused on the stories.
The Yeomen Warders will talk about the famous prisoners who were hanged and buried on Tower Green. They are now mostly buried in the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, which was built in the 16th century.
Please note the following:
Tours may be shortened or cancelled during adverse weather conditions or to accommodate large numbers of patrons.
Some parts of the Tower tour may be frightening to children.
The route, which goes up and down steps, runs all the way around the pagoda over uneven terrain.
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