The Horrors of the Tower of London: Ghosts, Torture, and Executions
The Tower of London has been a site of tragedy, torture, and death for centuries. It is no wonder that this historic castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in England. Join me as I explore the dark history of the Tower of London and some of the chilling ghost stories that are associated with it.
The Bloody Tower
The Bloody Tower gets its name from the gruesome murder of two young princes who were imprisoned there in 1483. The princes, 12-year-old Edward V and his 9-year-old brother Richard, were put into the care of their uncle, Richard III, after the death of their father King Edward IV. Shortly after, their uncle had them declared illegitimate and took the throne for himself. The princes were then locked away in the Tower where they mysteriously disappeared. It is believed that they were killed on Richard III's orders and their bodies were hidden away somewhere in the castle.
The Princes in the Tower are just two of the many ghosts said to haunt the Bloody Tower. Visitors to the tower have reported seeing strange apparitions peering out from windows and hearing eerie laughter emanating from empty rooms. Others have claimed to feel an overwhelming sense of sadness when standing in certain areas of the tower. Could these sightings be connected to the tragic fate of the young princes?
The White Lady Of The Tower
One of the most well-known ghosts said to haunt the Tower is that of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Anne was accused of adultery and treason and was sentenced to be executed by a French swordsman. Her ghost is said to have been seen walking around the grounds near her former residence, The Queen's House. She is also said to haunt tower green, where she was executed.
Anne's ghost is often described as being dressed all in white and carrying her head under her arm. Some say that her appearance is a warning to any future queen who might meet a similar fate. Others believe that she hauntingly walks the grounds searching for her lost head.
The Ghost Of Sir Walter Raleigh
Sir Walter Raleigh was an English explorer, soldier, writer, and courtier who was sentenced to death by King James I but later saved by Queen Elizabeth I. He was then imprisoned in The Tower on suspicion of treason but was eventually released and went on to lead two more expeditions to America.
Raleigh's ghost is said to haunt the place of his imprisonment, The Beauchamp Tower. He has been seen pacing back and forth in front of his cell window or looking out over the River Thames with a forlorn expression on his face. Some say that he still waits for his release while others believe that he keeps watch over his final resting place, which is located nearby in St Margaret's Churchyard.
The Tower Of London is steeped in centuries of dark history which makes it one of the most haunted places in England. If you're brave enough to visit this historic castle, you may just catch a glimpse of one (or more!) of its resident ghosts!