The Ghosts of the Tower of London: England’s Most Haunted Fortress



Standing tall along the River Thames, the Tower of London is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in England. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and execution site for nearly a thousand years. Given its dark history of betrayal, murder, and political intrigue, it’s no surprise that the Tower is said to be one of the most haunted places in the world.

A History of Bloodshed and Betrayal

The Tower of London has been the site of numerous executions, imprisonments, and mysterious deaths. Many of its famous residents met violent ends, and their spirits are said to still wander the halls, dungeons, and battlements, unable to find peace.

Famous Ghosts of the Tower of London

Anne Boleyn – The Headless Queen

Perhaps the most famous ghost of the Tower, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was beheaded in 1536 on charges of adultery and treason. Anne’s headless spirit has been spotted in several areas, including the Tower Green, where she was executed, and inside the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, where her body is buried. She has also been seen carrying her severed head as she roams the halls.

The Princes in the Tower

One of the most tragic stories is that of Prince Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. The two young princes were sent to the Tower in 1483 by their uncle, Richard III, and mysteriously disappeared.

It is widely believed that they were murdered, possibly smothered in their sleep. Their ghostly figures have been seen wandering the Bloody Tower, sometimes holding hands, dressed in white nightgowns.

The White Lady

A mysterious White Lady is said to haunt the White Tower, the oldest part of the fortress. Many visitors report seeing her standing by a window, waving at passersby. Others claim to smell an overwhelming scent of perfume before suddenly feeling sick or dizzy.

Lady Jane Grey – The Nine-Day Queen

Lady Jane Grey, the tragic Nine-Day Queen, was executed in 1554 at the age of 16. Her ghostly figure has been spotted on the anniversary of her execution, standing atop the Tower’s battlements.

Sir Walter Raleigh’s Restless Spirit

Explorer and courtier Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned multiple times in the Tower before being executed in 1618. His spirit is said to walk the Bloody Tower, where he spent much of his time in captivity.

The Phantom Bear

The Tower was once home to a royal menagerie of exotic animals, and some believe their spirits still linger. One of the strangest reports is of a ghostly bear, seen in the Martin Tower. A guard once claimed the bear charged at him, causing him to faint from shock.

Paranormal Encounters and Modern Sightings

Visitors and staff continue to report eerie cold spots, unexplained whispers, shadowy figures, and strange lights throughout the Tower. Even Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), who live on-site, have shared chilling stories of supernatural encounters. The Tower of London remains one of the most haunted places in Britain, attracting ghost hunters and curious tourists alike. Whether you believe in spirits or not, the Tower’s dark history and chilling tales make it an unforgettable experience.