Both of these collapses happened on St George’s Day. ![]() The fortress stood on marshland, so it was difficult to settle the foundations and the edifice collapsed into the river two times. It was in 1240 that King Henry III ordered that a watergate was to be constructed to defend the Tower to the riverside. Traitor’s Gate in The Tower of London (Photo: Philipp Röttgers) However, people who came through “Traitor’s Gate” did not come as guests, but only to be imprisoned or executed.Īnne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter Raleigh all passed through, some of them to spend the rest of their (short) lives in suffering here. Situated at the edge of the Thames, this is the gate through which many famous figures from English history passed on their way to The Tower of London. Do you see the lady waving whenever a group of children is nearby? This is the wraith of the ‘White Lady’ of the White Tower. If you do not believe me, take a look from the outside at one of the windows of that corridor next time you visit The Tower. Many a guard has smelt the aroma and knew he should leave right away. For this is the cheap perfume of the ‘White Lady’, who silently drifts around the rooms. Do you smell the pungent perfume? If you do, you should better leave quickly. When you visit The White Tower, stop there for a moment and breathe in the air. One of them signals her arrival at the entrance to St John’s Chapel. They have encountered many ghostly presences here. For some of the Custody Guards that work here however, this is part of the job. You do not want to be here alone at night. The floorboards creak and when all the visitors have gone and night falls, the shadows in the galleries start to move. Inside, you can walk through its galleries and admire the massive collection of armour, and climb the winding stone stairs from one corridor to another. Some have claimed to hear his pained cries of anguish as he begs for mercy long after his execution.The White Tower is the oldest building inside The Tower and literally towers above all the surrounding buildings. Most likely tortured in the dungeons below the White Tower, it seems that Guy's real punishment for his treason was to relive his torture over and over again. ![]() Imprisoned in the Tower following his failed attempt at assassinating James I at Parliament, Fawkes was subjected to intense torture to compel him to give up the co-conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot. One of these unfortunate souls was Guy Fawkes. Records only show that 48 prisoners at the Tower were subjected to physical torture, though many more likely experienced psychological torments such as starvation or isolation.ĭuring the darkest years in the history of the Tower, at a time when Britain was under increasing religious and political turmoil, torture was reserved for gathering information from people who posed the biggest threat to the stability of the Crown. Read more about: Kings and Queens 8 strange facts about Anne Boleyn Often spotted taking a turn through the courtyard, Anne Boleyn’s ghost is the spirit, most reportedly spotted by visitors. Whether she is reliving the bliss of a queen-to-be or the terror of her final days - no one knows for sure. While her body may have left the Tower that day, it’s believed that Anne’s spirit chose to stay around just a little longer. ![]() Found guilty of treason against the King, her husband, Anne was executed in the courtyard on 19th May 1536. Sadly, less than 1,000 days later, Anne was staying in the Tower’s royal apartments once again, this time against her will. In preparation for her coronation, Anne was showered with gifts and given a personal tour by Henry himself. In the days leading up to her coronation as queen, Anne and her new husband stayed at the Royal apartments in the Tower. Perhaps one of the most well-known and tragic execution was that of Anne Boleyn – the ill-fated second wife of Henry VIII.Īnne’s first visit to the Tower of London was during a time of happiness. Read more about: Mysteries 8 famous ghosts from historyĭespite its dark and grim reputation, only 22 recorded executions have taken place inside the Tower’s walls.
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