The Tower of London is a historic castle located in the heart of London, England. It has served as a royal palace, fortress, and prison over the centuries.
Many people associate the Tower with its most infamous role as a place of execution. But just how many people have been executed within its walls?
The answer to that question is not straightforward. The Tower has been used for executions since the 12th century, and records from that time are scarce. However, historians have pieced together information from various sources to give us an idea of the number of people who met their end at the Tower.
One thing to note is that not all executions took place on the grounds of the Tower itself. Many were carried out on nearby Tower Hill, which was also under the jurisdiction of the Tower authorities.
Perhaps the most famous period of executions at the Tower was during the Tudor era. The reigns of Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I saw numerous executions for treason and other crimes. It’s estimated that around 120 people were executed on Tower Hill during this time.
But what about within the walls of the Tower itself? The number is harder to pin down, but it’s believed to be around 50-60 individuals. Some were high-profile figures like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, while others were lesser-known prisoners.
One particularly gruesome aspect of executions at the Tower was the use of a wooden block as a makeshift chopping block. This was used for beheadings until 1747 when a permanent scaffold was constructed outside the walls.
In addition to beheadings, other methods of execution were also carried out at or near the Tower. These included hanging and burning at the stake.
Overall, while it’s difficult to give an exact number, it’s clear that many people met their end at or near the Tower over its long history. Today, visitors can tour parts of the castle where these executions took place and learn more about the Tower’s dark past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tower of London has a long and complicated history as a place of execution. While we can’t say for certain how many people were executed within its walls, it’s clear that many met their end at or near the castle.
The use of a wooden block as a chopping block and other gruesome methods of execution make the Tower’s history all the more macabre. But despite this dark past, the Tower remains a beloved landmark in London and an important part of British history.