Tower of London Prison | Secrets of England’s Infamous Jail

The Tower of London, originally a royal palace and fortress, was also an infamous prison. Although not designed as a jail, it detained many, from affluent nobles to traitors, where fortunes could dramatically shift, from lavish accommodations to a swift and often violent end. Notable prisoners included Elizabeth I and Anne Boleyn, who faced vastly different fates within its walls. The Tower's narrative intertwines tales of betrayal, privileged confinements, and dramatic escapes, reflecting its complex history as a symbol of royal power and national security.

What to see at the Tower of London prison

Beauchamp Tower

The Beauchamp Tower dates back to the 14th century. Initially constructed during the reign of Edward I, it served as a prison for numerous high-profile political captives, including Edward Courtenay, Henry Howard, and Robert Devereux. Remarkably, the tower still bears witness to their presence through the graffiti etched into its walls.

Tower Green

Tower Green, located in a grassy area, bears witness to the history of high-profile executions. Situated south of the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, it served as the stage for beheadings of esteemed figures, including Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Today, a memorial sculpture stands as a tribute to those condemned to death.

Bloody Tower

The Bloody Tower harbors mysteries regarding the disappearance of two young princes—Edward V and his brother Richard—sons of King Edward IV and heirs to the throne. Their disappearance, widely believed to have been murdered on Richard III's orders, coupled with a history of imprisoning and executing prisoners, gave the Bloody Tower its name.

Famous prisoners at the Tower of London

Elizabeth I: The young princess Elizabeth was imprisoned by her half-sister Mary I, who feared that Elizabeth would plot against her reign. While she stayed comfortably at her mother, Anne Boleyn’s former apartments, she was under severe psychological strain. She was later released into house arrest due to a lack of evidence.
Other prominent queens: Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, Catherine Howard, Henry’s fifth wife, and Lady Jane Grey, the ‘nine-day queen’ were other royal prisoners. However, unlike Elizabeth I, their lives met a different fate: all 3 queens of England were executed at Tower Green.
Princes in the Tower: In 1483, 12-year-old Edward V and his younger brother Richard, were sent to the Tower ‘for safety’ by their uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, later Richard III. However, they vanished, until two small skeletons were discovered in 1674.
Guy Fawkes: Guy Fawkes was one of the most famous prisoners, associated with the Gunpowder Plot. He was brought to the Tower to be interrogated after he was found hiding in the cellars under the Parliament with barrels of gunpowder. He was found to be one of the conspirators planning to assassinate James I but was hanged, drawn, quartered, and his body parts displayed publicly as a warning to others.
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester: Robert Dudley, a childhood companion of Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), was imprisoned in the Tower following his father's failed attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne. Likely held in the Beauchamp Tower with his brothers, visitors can still see the intricate carvings they left behind.
Thomas Abel: Once Chaplain to Katherine of Aragon, Thomas Abel earned his place in the Beauchamp Tower by opposing Henry VIII's divorce. His bold stance is immortalized in the tower's walls, where 'Thomas' is etched above a bell with an 'A'.
Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel: Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel, suffered a decade-long imprisonment in the Beauchamp Tower for his Catholic faith, a threat to the Protestant realm. His name and an inscription remain carved into the tower's walls.

The history of the Tower of London prison

The Tower of London has been an important prison since the 12th century, due to its association with the Crown and its thick walls, strong defenses, and strategic location. Initially a royal residence, it transitioned into a detention center for political prisoners, traitors, and even monarchs. Notable inmates include Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Sir Walter Raleigh. Known for its harsh conditions and executions, it ceased functioning as a prison in 1952. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering insights into its grim history through preserved structures and artifacts.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Tower of London prison

What can I do at the Tower of London prison?

Visitors to the Tower can explore this rich history, see where famous prisoners were held, learn about their stories, and witness the locations of significant historical events.

Are there guided tours available at the Tower of London prison?

Yes, the famous Yeoman Warder tours are available, providing critical stories from 1,000 years of history. They include tales of intrigue, imprisonment, execution, and much more. Be aware that parts of the tour may not be suitable for young children due to content or physical requirements.

Who designed/built the Tower of London prison?

The initial construction of the White Tower, the oldest part of the Tower of London complex, was started in 1078 under King William II and was designed and built by Gundulf of Rochester, a Norman bishop.

What is the best time to visit the Tower of London prison?

January to March is the quietest period, although the weather is cold and wet. The summer holidays are the busiest, from the end of July to the beginning of September. Mid-week mornings are generally the quickest times to visit.

Where is the Tower of London prison?

The Tower of London itself served as a prison, so the entire complex is essentially the location of the historical prison. The Tower is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London.