The Tower of London was a formidable royal fortress built in the 1070s that later served as a high-security prison for famous figures in British history. Surprisingly, only seven people were executed within its walls. Learn the spooky true stories of those locked away for centuries!

Imagine a castle so strong it was built to protect kings, but ended up locking away some of history’s most famous people!

Welcome to the Tower of London, a place in England that has been around for almost a thousand years. Built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s, it was first a royal palace and a mighty fortress. But over time, it became super famous for another, scarier job: a prison! From queens who lost their thrones to spies caught in wartime, the Tower holds secrets from all corners of British history for kids to uncover.

Mira

Mira says:

"Wow, Finn, it’s crazy that people thought being executed *inside* the Tower was a 'privilege' just because it was private! Most people met their end on Tower Hill, in front of huge, loud crowds. Makes you appreciate a quiet day in the park!"

What is the Tower of London’s Secret Job as a Prison?

The Tower of London wasn't *always* a jail. Kings like Henry III and Edward I spent a lot of time making it bigger and stronger with walls and even a moat (a big ditch, which is now grass!).

Because it was so secure with its thick walls, it was the perfect place to keep important people who were seen as a threat—like traitors, captured enemies, or even royal family members who might cause trouble.

Mind-Blowing Fact!

The very first prisoner ever locked inside the White Tower, way back in 1100, was a Bishop named Ranulf Flambard! And guess what? He was also the first person to escape by smuggling a rope in a barrel of wine!

The Scary Stats of the Tower’s Prison Years

When you think of the Tower, you probably think of scary punishments, but the truth is a little surprising! While it has a spooky reputation, only seven people were executed *inside* the Tower walls before the 20th century.

Most public, scary executions happened just outside on Tower Hill, where huge crowds gathered to watch. Being executed privately inside the Tower was often seen as a grim 'privilege' for very high-ranking people, like queens.

1100 Year of first recorded prisoner
(Ranulf Flambard)
13 Years Sir Walter Raleigh spent
in comfortable imprisonment
12 Spies executed inside the Tower
during the World Wars
1952 The year the Tower finally stopped
being used as a prison

How Did Queens and Kings End Up in Jail?

The Tower was very busy during the Tudor times, especially under King Henry VIII. If you upset the King, your life could change in a flash!

For famous royals, the Tower was often the final, terrifying stop before a grim fate.

Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard

Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, and his fifth wife, Catherine Howard, were both imprisoned in the Tower. Anne was held in the Queen's House before her execution on false charges of treason.

Catherine Howard also ended up there. It must have been extra scary for her as she was taken across London Bridge and would have seen the terrible sight of the heads of people executed before her displayed on spikes!

💡 Did You Know?

One of the most mysterious stories is about The Princes in the Tower! In 1483, the young King Edward V (aged 12) and his brother Richard (aged 9) were sent to the Tower by their uncle, who then stole the throne. The boys were last seen playing in the castle and then vanished forever! What do *you* think happened to them?

🎯 Quick Quiz!

Which famous explorer spent about 13 years imprisoned in the Tower, even writing a book while inside?

A) Christopher Columbus
B) Ernest Shackleton
C) Sir Walter Raleigh
D) Ferdinand Magellan

Who Else Was Locked Behind the Walls?

The list of famous prisoners is long and full of surprises. People were jailed for all sorts of reasons, from trying to blow up Parliament to being on the wrong side of a King or Queen.

Even a future Queen, Princess Elizabeth (who became Elizabeth I), was locked in the Tower by her sister, Queen Mary I, because they feared she was plotting against her!

  • Guy Fawkes: The man who tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot was imprisoned and tortured in the Queen's House to confess.
  • Lady Jane Grey: She was crowned Queen for just nine days before being overthrown and imprisoned in the Tower, where she was later executed.
  • Rudolf Hess: In a very modern twist during World War II, Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, was held at the Tower in 1941 after parachuting into Scotland!

While many prisoners had a terrible end, others, like Sir Walter Raleigh, enjoyed surprisingly nice lodgings, growing a garden inside the Tower walls. It just goes to show that history is full of twists and turns—even when you're behind bars!

Questions Kids Ask About British History

How many people were actually executed inside the Tower of London?
Contrary to popular stories, very few people were executed inside the walls. Only about seven people were executed privately on Tower Green before the 20th century.
Where did most Tower of London prisoners meet their fate?
The majority of executions took place publicly outside the Tower walls on Tower Hill. This was a large public spectacle meant to warn everyone against treason.
Which famous queen was imprisoned in the Tower before she became Queen?
The future Queen Elizabeth I was imprisoned in the Tower by her half-sister, Queen Mary I. She stayed there, under great stress, until her sister released her.
Who was the first prisoner in the Tower of London?
The first recorded prisoner was Bishop Ranulf Flambard back in the year 1100. He also managed to make a daring escape from the White Tower!

Keep Exploring the Castle's Secrets!

The Tower of London is more than just a scary castle—it’s a time capsule showing the power, drama, and secrets of British history! Now you know the stories of the famous folks locked inside. Keep listening to History's Not Boring for more amazing tales from the past!