Spook Alert in the Tower of London

The Tower of London is not only famous for its Crown Jewels and ravens but also for its ghost stories. 

For over 900 years, the Tower has stood at the heart of British history and has served a variety of functions over the centuries - from a royal residence and prison to a treasury. Given such a turbulent past, it's no wonder that the Tower of London is also known to be home to numerous spectral figures.

In this article, we want to focus on the most famous ghost stories from the Tower of London.

The Tragic Queen: Anne Boleyn

Perhaps the most famous of all Tower ghosts is Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. After failing to provide the king with a male heir, Anne was accused of witchcraft and adultery and was executed in the Tower in 1536. Ever since, it's been reported that her headless spirit haunts the corridors of the Tower and the surrounding Tower Green.

The Princes in the Tower

Another tragic case is the "Princes in the Tower," Edward V and his younger brother Richard of York. The young princes were sent to the Tower in 1483 and disappeared under mysterious circumstances. It's believed that they were murdered on the orders of their uncle, Richard III. Visitors and guards have reported seeing the spirits of the two young boys walking hand in hand through the Tower's corridors.

The White Lady 

Another well-known apparition is the "White Lady," whose perfume scent is often perceived before she appears. She's primarily been seen in the White Tower, peering out of a window. The identity of the White Lady remains a mystery, but her presence contributes to the ghostly atmosphere of the Tower.

The Creepy Guards

The Tower's guards have also experienced some inexplicable events over the years. One of the most well-known cases involves guards who reportedly saw a procession of soldiers in antique armor marching through the walls.

The Bloody Tower's History

The "Bloody Tower," named for its gruesome history, is another location in the Tower of London known for its ghost stories. One of the most famous spirits seen here is Sir Walter Raleigh, who spent many years as a prisoner there and was later executed. Visitors report seeing his ghost standing on the Tower's staircase or walking in his former chambers.

The Green Lady

Another famous ghost is the "Green Lady," seen in the Tower's royal chambers. She's thought to be the Countess of Salisbury, who was executed for high treason during the reign of Henry VIII. Her execution was particularly brutal, and it's said that her spirit still haunts the chambers where she once lived.

The stories mentioned above are just a few of the many ghost stories surrounding the Tower of London. With its long and often violent history, it's no wonder that the Tower is considered one of the most haunted places in the UK.

Whether one believes in ghosts or not, visiting the Tower of London is a fascinating journey into the past, sometimes enriched by eerie and inexplicable events. The ghosts of the Tower, whether real or just the product of centuries-old legends, are an integral part of the unique character of this historic place.

Visiting Tower of London

Address:
Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB
United Kingdom

You can find the official website of the Tower of London for information and tickets at:

https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

Sources

Tower of London. (n.d.). In Wikipedia.
Boleyn, Anne. (n.d.). In Wikipedia.
Princes in the Tower. (n.d.). In Wikipedia.