The Tower of London is known for several things nowadays. The Changing of the Guard ceremony (with less crowds than Buckingham Palace) comes up a lot. And the Crown Jewels are at the top of most visitor to-see lists. (Please don’t wait in line only to see the jewels and skip the rest of the Tower!) But I think most people associate the Tower of London with Henry VIII and his six wives. We know that Anne Boleyn, and others met their grisly ends at the Tower, but how did they get there? The Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London was the doorway..
Both Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard were beheaded inside the walls of the Tower of London. However, so were many other prisoners, including Lady Margaret Pole and Sir Thomas More. Pole, More, and even Princess Elizabeth (the future Elizabeth I) were brought to the Tower of London through Traitor’s Gate. I’ve passed by it many a time when I’ve visited the Tower, but I’ve actually never seen it with water in it…
It was originally called the Water Gate, and is at the bottom of St. Thomas’ Tower. That particular tower was built by Edward I to provide additional accomodation and space for his family when staying at the Tower, but the gate conveniently allowed for easy and quiet transportation of prisoners. It is actually debated whether or not Anne Boleyn was brought through Traitor’s Gate on her last fateful trip to the Tower, though. She may have come through the Byward Gate (the gate we all come through now), but she also may have come to her death through the Traitor’s Gate…
Have you seen Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London?
Cheers,
The Historian
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I was only watching a programme last night about the Tower of London. A fascinating place, with such incredible history. Many a person of varying statuses met their grisly ends, and terrible torture, including poor Anne Askew. It’s strange isn’t it how we as humans find all this horrible stuff fascinating.
It does seem quite a strong fascination!! I’m afraid people look at me quite strangely when I try to avoid the beheadings and the revolts- I would much rather see a party or a quiet scene of happiness. And Anne Askew was such a tragic figure!! Absolutely heartbreaking!