The Tower of London

Place Category: Haunted Castles

The Tower of London

Place: Tower of London

Location: London, England

Address: Tower of London, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

Phone: +44 (0)20 3166 6000

Hours: Typically open Tuesday–Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and Sunday–Monday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Hours may vary; please check the official website for current timings.

Admission: Admission fees vary; for the most current information, visit the official website.

Website: https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

History: The Tower of London, officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, was founded in 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. The central White Tower, which gives the entire castle its name, was constructed by William the Conqueror in 1078. Throughout its history, the Tower has served multiple roles, including royal residence, treasury, armory, and prison. Notably, it housed the Royal Menagerie from the 13th century to 1834 and has been the custodian of the Crown Jewels since the 17th century. Its rich and tumultuous past is marked by political intrigue, imprisonment, and executions.

 

Hauntings: The Tower of London is reputed to be one of the most haunted places in England, with numerous reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena. Notable hauntings include:

  • Anne Boleyn: Executed on Tower Green in 1536, Anne Boleyn’s spirit is said to appear near the site of her execution and within the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula, where she was buried. Witnesses have reported seeing her headless figure leading a spectral procession.

  • Henry VI: Murdered in the Wakefield Tower in 1471, the ghost of Henry VI is believed to appear at the stroke of midnight, pacing the area where he met his demise.

  • The Princes in the Tower: Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, disappeared in 1483, and their specters have been reportedly seen wearing nightgowns, holding hands, and appearing frightened.

  • The White Lady: A mysterious figure often seen in the White Tower, sometimes reported to wave to passersby from a window.

  • The Ghostly Bear: In 1816, a sentry claimed to have encountered the apparition of a bear near the Martin Tower, leading to a state of shock.

Personal Experiences: While many visitors and staff have reported unexplained occurrences, such as sudden temperature drops, eerie sensations, and sightings of apparitions, these accounts are anecdotal and vary widely. Specific documented personal experiences are limited, and many stories have become part of the Tower’s extensive folklore.

Paranormal Activity Rating: High (Frequent activity)

For a visual exploration of the Tower’s haunted history, you may find this video informative: