Secrets of Betrayal and Bloodshed

The Tower of London has, for the longest time, been a symbol of power, mystery, and intrigue. In today’s day and age, the Tower stands as a popular tourist attraction.

However, it’s marked by tales of betrayal, imprisonment, and execution. The Tower has witnessed the fall and rise of many figures throughout English history.

Origins of the Tower

William the Conqueror, following his win at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, wanted to strengthen his control over England. In 1078, he began the building of the White Tower.

Its location provided both a defensive advantage and a means to oversee the city’s vital port area. The White Tower ended up becoming the Tower of London complex, representing England’s tumultuous history.

From Palace to Prison

By the 16th century, the Tower of London went from being a royal residence to England’s most significant state prison. During the Tudor period, the Palace became the primary detention site for individuals.

Notable prisoners include Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, and Lady Jane Grey. Several inmates went through harsh conditions, while others received high-quality treatment.

The Rack – Tool of Torture

The rack was introduced in England during the early 15th century, but its exact origin remains unclear. It was a dangerous instrument of torture.

The device came with a wooden frame with rollers at each end. The victim’s wrists and ankles were fastened to these rollers, which led to dislocated joints, torn muscles, and excruciating pain.

The Scavenger’s Daughter

The Scavenger’s Daughter, also known as Skevington’s gyves, was a torture device invented during the era of King Henry VIII by Sir Leonard Skeffington. This torture device compressed the body of the victim into a crouched position.

The iron frame that the device came with forced the head downward and the knees upward, folding the body until the ribs and spine could be dislocated. Notable victims of this device include Thomas Miagh, Thomas Cottam, and Luke Kirby

Little Ease – The Cramped Cell

Beneath the White Tower lies a cell known as Little Ease. This place was known for its extreme confinement and discomfort.

The cell was measured to be approximately 1.2 meters on each side and was designed in a way that the adult prisoner could neither stand upright, sit, nor lie down fully. These conditions were implemented to break the spirit of detainees.

Traitors’ Gate

Traitors’ Gate is a water entrance to the Tower of London. It was originally designed to provide direct access from the River Thames and allowed for the secure transportation of supplies and royal visitors.

Over time, it became infamous as the entry point for prisoners who were accused of treason. The name Traitors’ Gate has been used since then.

Tower Hill Executions

Situated just outside the Tower of London, Tower Hill used to be the main site for public executions from the 14th to the 18th centuries. While the Tower itself was reserved for high-profile or private executions, Tower Hill served as the stage for over 100 public beheadings.

The first official execution at Tower Hill occurred in 1388 with the death of Sir Simon de Burley. In today’s day and age, a memorial stands at the site.

Anne Boleyn’s Execution

The second wife of King Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, was executed at the Tower of London. She was convicted of adultery and treason and met her fate on Tower Green, which was a rare private execution site.

A skilled French swordsman was brought in to do the job, moving away from the customary use of an axe. Her death marked a significant moment in Tudor history.

The Princes in the Tower

Following the death of King Edward IV, his 12-year-old son, Edward V, and 9-year-old brother, Richard Duke of York, were kept in the Tower of London by their uncle, Richard. The boys were eventually declared illegitimate, and Richard took over the throne as Richard III.

The princes were last seen in the Tower than summer. Their sudden disappearance has fueled numerous speculations.

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

In 1605, Guy Fawkes, who was a Catholic convert and explosives expert, was involved in the infamous Gunpowder Plot. This plot was an unsuccessful attempt to kill King James I by blowing up the House of Lords.

Guy Fawkes was taken to the Tower of London, where King James I authorized his torture to extract information on the other conspirators. He was then killed, a punishment traditionally for traitors.

Sir Thomas More

Sir Thomas More was a respected lawyer, scholar, and former Lord Chancellor under King Henry VIII. He was executed in 1535 for his refusal to acknowledge the king as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

He was imprisoned in the Tower of London. He ended up getting executed for high treason.

Lady Jane Grey

Also known as the Nine Days Queen, Lady Jane Grey was thrust into the English monarchy at just 15 years old. However, her brief reign came to an end when her cousin, Mary I, claimed the throne.

Jane was initially spared. However, she became a threat after her father’s involvement in Wyatt’s Rebellion and ended up getting executed at the Tower of London.

Torture Statistics

Between 1540 and 1640, the Tower of London recorded a total of 48 instances of sanctioned torture. It should be noted that torture was relatively rare and required the process of authorization from the Privy Council.

Methods like the rack, the Scavenger’s Daughter, among many others, were used to inflict torture. Today, replicas of these devices are displayed.

The Bloody Tower

Located within the Tower of London complex, the Bloody Tower is filled with intrigue and dark history. It was originally known as the Garden Tower but was renamed Bloody Tower in the 16th century.

This renaming was due to its association with the suspected murder of the young Princes in the Tower, among many other incidents. Another location marked by tragedy is Chernobyl.

Check out The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, Ukraine (Explored) for more information on the topic.

Josef Jakobs – The Last Execution

Josef Jakobs was a German Spy and was the last individual to be executed at the Tower of London during World War II. In 1941, Jakobs parachuted into Huntingdonshire but ended up breaking his ankle upon landing and was quickly caught by local Home Guard members.

Jakobs was accused of espionage and faced execution by firing squad. If you’ve got a knack for historical sites, do give What Makes Alhambra a True Architectural Gem? a read.