The Tower of London as a prison
The Tower of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in London and has served many purposes over its 900-year history, including as a royal palace, a fortress, and a place of execution. However, one of its lesser-known functions is that of a jail. For centuries, the Tower of London was used to house some of the most notorious prisoners in British history, including powerful politicians, religious leaders, and even royalty.
William Wallace: The first recorded prisoner
William Wallace, the Scottish knight who fought for Scottish independence in the late 13th century, is considered the first recorded prisoner of the Tower of London. He was captured by the English in 1305 and taken to the Tower, where he was tried and convicted of treason. He was executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering in Smithfield, London, in front of a large crowd.
Anne Boleyn: The ill-fated queen
Perhaps one of the most famous prisoners of the Tower of London was Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. She was accused of adultery, treason, and incest and was imprisoned in the Tower in 1536. She was found guilty and sentenced to death by beheading, which was carried out on the Tower Green. Her tragic story has since become a popular subject in literature and film.
Sir Walter Raleigh: Explorer and writer
Sir Walter Raleigh, the famous explorer and writer, was also a prisoner at the Tower of London. He was accused of plotting against King James I and was imprisoned for 13 years. During his time in the Tower, he wrote his most famous work, "The History of the World," which he dedicated to King James in an attempt to win his favor.
Guy Fawkes: The Powder Plot conspirator
Guy Fawkes, one of the most infamous prisoners of the Tower of London, was a member of a group of English Catholics who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. He was caught, along with his co-conspirators, and taken to the Tower, where he was tortured and eventually confessed. He was later executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering.
Queen Elizabeth I: The daughter of Anne Boleyn
Queen Elizabeth I, the daughter of Anne Boleyn, was also imprisoned in the Tower of London at one point. She was held there for two months in 1554 by her half-sister, Queen Mary I, who suspected her of plotting against her. However, Elizabeth was eventually released and went on to become one of the most successful monarchs in English history.
Rudolf Hess: The Nazi deputy leader
Rudolf Hess, the Nazi deputy leader, was one of the most high-profile prisoners of the Tower of London during World War II. He was captured in Scotland in 1941 and was held in the Tower until 1945. He was later tried at the Nuremberg Trials and sentenced to life in jail.
Sir Thomas More: Saint and statesman
Sir Thomas More, the English lawyer and statesman who served as Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII, was also a prisoner at the Tower of London. He was accused of treason for refusing to accept Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England and was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1535. He was later canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Princess Elizabeth: The future Queen Elizabeth II
Princess Elizabeth, the future Queen Elizabeth II, also spent some time in the Tower of London during World War II. She was only 14 years old at the time and was there for safety reasons, as the Tower was considered one of the safest places in London during the war.
Lady Jane Grey: The Nine Day Queen
Lady Jane Grey, also known as the Nine Day Queen, was a prisoner at the Tower of London in 1553. She was proclaimed queen by a group of nobles after the death of King Edward VI but was deposed by Queen Mary I after only nine days on the throne. She was later executed for treason.
The Kray Twins: East End gangsters
Ronnie and Reggie Kray, twins who were notorious East End gangsters in the 1960s, were also imprisoned at the Tower of London. They were arrested in 1968 and were held in the Tower for several weeks while awaiting trial. They were eventually convicted of and sentenced to life in jail.
Conclusion: Who else was imprisoned at the Tower?
The list of prisoners who were incarcerated at the Tower of London is long and varied, and includes many other notable figures such as Sir Francis Drake, Sir John Perrot, and the Duke of Monmouth. Today, the Tower of London is no longer used as a jail, but it remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of British history and tradition.
