How Many Bodies Are in the Tower of London?

By Robert Palmer

The Tower of London is a historic castle located in the heart of London, England. It has been a royal palace, a prison, and even a zoo over the years. The tower has witnessed many significant events in English history and has become an iconic landmark of the city.

One question that often arises about the Tower of London is: how many bodies are buried within its walls? The truth is that no one knows the exact number. However, there are some estimates based on historical records and archaeological findings.

According to some sources, there could be as many as 1,000 bodies buried in the tower grounds. These include prisoners executed at the tower, soldiers killed in battles fought nearby, and even animals that were once kept at the royal menagerie.

Many of these bodies were buried in mass graves or unmarked pits, making it difficult to determine their exact number or identity. Some of these graves were discovered during renovations and excavations carried out at various times in the tower’s history.

One notable discovery was made during renovation work carried out in 1674 when two skeletons were found hidden beneath a staircase leading to the White Tower. These skeletons have been identified as those of two young princes – Edward V and his younger brother Richard Duke of York – who disappeared mysteriously in 1483 while under the guardianship of their uncle Richard III.

In recent years, archaeologists have also uncovered evidence of other burials within the tower walls. In 2019, a team from Historic Royal Palaces discovered two graves near the Chapel Royal that date back to the medieval period.

Despite these discoveries, it’s still impossible to determine exactly how many bodies are buried within the tower walls. Many remains have likely been lost or destroyed over time due to natural decay or deliberate destruction during various periods of political unrest.

In conclusion, while we may never know exactly how many bodies are buried within the Tower of London’s walls, it’s clear that the castle has a fascinating and gruesome history that continues to intrigue visitors from all over the world.