Famed more for who died there than who lived there, the notorious Tower of London easily makes the short list when people debate the most haunted places on earth. Though it took centuries to complete the towers and grounds recognizable today, the original central structure known as the “White Tower” was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.
Ole Willy needed an impressive castle, one to double as both a royal palace and a fortress, something that would intimidate anyone seeking to gain his throne and a tall structure that would enable him to spot — and eradicate — anyone marching on the city or threatening his role as King. Remember, in these days, a decisive battle or quick off-with-his-head could change who claimed ruling rights in the blink of an eye (or a swing of an axe).
It wasn’t long before the tower complex was expanded and converted into a military base — housing both soldiers and prisoners. Notable, often prominent prisoners…including anyone the ruling monarch thought might pose a threat to his power.
The buildings are still in use today by the British government, but we’re going to focus on the prisoners. The ones whose lives ended at this historical location. The ones who have chosen to linger over the centuries…
Before an execution commenced– which took place at Tower Hill, an elevated section of ground northwest of the Tower – the soon-to-be beheaded (or hung or drawn and quartered) individuals were led past gathered cheering, jeering crowds to the scaffold. Imagine…being marched by soldiers, hands — likely ankles — shackled, malnourished from weeks, months or years of imprisonment, being forced to face screaming crowds as you walk toward the place of your impending death. Brrrrr! Chills erupt just thinking of it. Add in the stench of medieval London…the refuse, human and animal waste, dried blood of prior executions…and the chills turn to shudders. Ghostly processions — historically accurate replications of these gruesome events — have been witnessed by modern people!
Two of the more famous Tower inhabitants included a pair of young 15th century princes, imprisoned and ordered to death by the man who would assume their place on the throne — King Richard III. Ghosts of these two boys have been seen multiple times walking the corridors at night. Here’s an 1878 artists’ rendition (of the boys, not the ghosts):
Of the multitude of ghosts said to haunt the Tower, one of the bloodiest stories belongs to the elderly Countess of Salisbury who, along with her executioner, can be seen each May 27th during the dead of night, reenacting their actions of centuries before. Though accounts vary, she refused to acknowledge she’d been a traitor and refused to bow before the executioner, causing him to “chase” her around with the axe…
It’s no wonder these infamous grounds are haunted. From its inception, the castle walls have been home to murder, intrigue and conspiracy plots to overthrow the King. If Mr. Lyons and I ever make it to England (we’re saving!) and decide to brave visiting The Tower, you bet I’ll have some aura-strengthening crystals on my person and it won’t be in May!
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If you’re craving something a little more positive with your paranormal, and wanting to foster the holiday “spirit”, check out the new anthology of Christmas-themed Regency stories just released by Cerridwen Press: Cotillion Christmas Spirits – featuring my story Miss Isabella Thaws a Frosty Lord.
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Larissa Lyons thinks brownies should be an official food group and prays nightly for a house fairy to appear–one who’ll keep the house clean.
While she waits, you can read about her penchant for Roaring Rogues and sexy cowboys at her website, and her attempts at healthy baking at her blog, Larissa’s Lair.
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