Explore the Dark History and Haunted Reputation of the Tower of London (travel info and FAQs)

The Tower of London, situated in the heart of London, is not only a famous historical landmark but also a place shrouded in a dark past. It has served as a royal palace, a prison, a place of execution, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. But what makes the Tower truly fascinating is its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the world. In this article, we will delve into the history and hauntings of the Tower of London.

 

Tour Information

The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames, and its address is Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom. It is open every day except for December 24-26 and January 1-2. The opening hours are as follows:

Summer (1 March - 31 October): Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 - 17:30, Sunday - Monday 10:00 - 17:30
Winter (1 November - 28 February): Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 - 16:30, Sunday - Monday 10:00 - 16:30

The admission prices for the Tower of London are as follows:

Adult (18+): £28.90
Child (5-15): £14.50
Concession (student/senior/disabled): £24.70
Family (2 adults + 3 children): £75.50

The Tower is wheelchair accessible, but some areas of the castle may be challenging to navigate. The Tower has wheelchairs available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, and assistance dogs are allowed on site. The Tower of London also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guided tours, exhibitions, and special events, such as the Ceremony of the Keys, a nightly ritual performed for over 700 years, and the Medieval Palace, an interactive exhibit that takes visitors back to the Middle Ages.

Short History of the Tower

William the Conqueror first built the Tower of London in 1078 as a royal palace. Over the years, it has undergone many expansions and renovations and has served various purposes. The Tower has been used as a prison and a place of execution for many high-profile prisoners, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and Guy Fawkes, during the 16th and 17th centuries. Since the 14th century, the Tower has also housed the Crown Jewels of England.

Haunted Reputation

The Tower of London is notorious for its ghostly sightings, making it one of the most haunted places globally. The most famous ghost stories associated with the Tower include:

The ghost of Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded in the Tower in 1536, has been seen walking around the White Tower carrying her head.
The ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh, who was imprisoned in the Tower for 13 years, has been seen walking around the Bloody Tower.
The ghost of the Countess of Salisbury, who was executed in the Tower in 1541, has been seen walking around the Tower Green with her headless body.
Many other ghost stories are associated with the Tower, with some claiming that the ghosts of prisoners who were executed there still haunt the building.

Related Episode

One of the most infamous events associated with the Tower of London is the disappearance of the two young princes, Edward V and his brother Richard, in 1483. The princes were held in the Tower by their uncle, Richard III, who had seized the throne from their father. The princes were never seen again, and it is widely believed that they were murdered by their uncle.

FAQs

Is the Tower of London still used as a prison?
No, the Tower has not been used as a prison since the 1950s.

Are the Crown Jewels real?
Yes, the Crown Jewels on display at the Tower of London are real and are still used in official ceremonies.

Is the Tower of London open on holidays?
The Tower is open on most holidays, but it may have reduced hours on some holidays.

Can visitors take photos inside the Tower?
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photos inside the Tower, but flash photography is not allowed in some areas.

Are there any restrictions on what visitors can bring inside the Tower?
Yes, visitors are not allowed to bring weapons, alcohol, or illegal drugs inside the Tower.