Contents
- 1 Does the Queen have a house at the Tower of London
- 2 How do people get to live in the Tower of London
- 3 Does anyone live in the city of London
- 4 Who gets Queen’s Jewels
- 5 Who can touch the crown jewels
- 6 Who was the last spy executed at the Tower of London
- 7 Does the queen ever stay at the Tower of London
Does the Queen have a house at the Tower of London
History of The Queen’s House – The Queen’s House was originally built by King Henry VIII in the early 16th century as a residence for his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The building was constructed in a Tudor style, with large windows and ornate decorations.
It was one of the first brick buildings in England, and its design was a significant departure from the more traditional medieval architecture of the Tower of London. Over the years, the Queen’s House was used for various purposes. During the reign of King James I, it was converted into a mint, where coins were produced for the Crown.
Later, it became a storage space for the Crown Jewels, a role it still serves today. During the 19th century, the Queen’s House underwent a major renovation, and its interior was redesigned to make it more suitable for its current use as a display space for the Crown Jewels.
How much do Beefeaters get paid?
Average Beefeater hourly pay ranges from approximately £7.20 per hour for Host/Hostess to £12.82 per hour for Sous Chef. The average Beefeater salary ranges from approximately £18,565 per year for Bartender to £39,329 per year for General Manager.
Do they still keep prisoners in the Tower of London?
20th century –
- Roger Casement was imprisoned for buying guns from Germany to support the Easter Rising, in 1916.
- Norman Baillie-Stewart was a British officer caught selling military secrets to Germany and served four years in the Tower in 1933 until 1937, but he was not executed, because England was not at war with Germany.
- The last state prisoner to be held in the Tower, Rudolf Hess, the deputy leader of the Nazi Party, in May 1941.
- The last person to be executed in the Tower, Josef Jakobs, Nazi spy, shot by a firing squad on 15 August 1941.
- The last people to be held in the Tower, the Kray twins, They were imprisoned for a few days in 1952 for failing to report for national service,
How do people get to live in the Tower of London
Who lives in the Tower of London? – The Tower is home to 37 Yeoman Warders, a body of men and women drawn from the British military who each must have recorded at least 22 years of active service. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, they have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times.
Can tourists go inside the Tower of London?
Opening Hours: – The Tower of London is open seven days a week but admission times change according to the season. During the summer season (March 1 – October 30) the visiting hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm; Mondays and Sundays, 10 am to 5:30 pm. Final entry is at 4.30 pm.
Does anyone live in the city of London
This article is about the district within London. For the capital city of England and the UK, see London, For other uses, see City of London (disambiguation),
City of London | |
---|---|
City, ceremonial county, local government district and central business district | |
From top, left to right: Bank Junction ; The Gherkin ; Leadenhall Market ; St Paul’s Cathedral ; London Stock Exchange ; Barbican Estate ; the Guildhall | |
Flag Coat of arms | |
Nicknames: the Square Mile, the City | |
Motto(s): Domine Dirige Nos ( Latin ) “O Lord Direct us” (motto of City of London Corporation ) | |
Location within Greater London | |
Coordinates: 51°30′56″N 00°05′35″W / 51.51556°N 0.09306°W | |
Status | Sui generis ; city and ceremonial county |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | England |
Region | London |
Roman settlement | c. 47 AD ( Londinium ) |
Wessex resettlement | 886 AD ( Lundenburg ) |
Wards | 25 wards |
Government | |
• Body | City of London Corporation |
• Lord Mayor | Nicholas Lyons |
• Town Clerk | John Barradell |
• Admin HQ | Guildhall |
• London Assembly | Unmesh Desai ( Lab ; City and East ) |
• UK Parliament | Nickie Aiken ( Con ; Cities of London and Westminster ) |
Area | |
• City | 1.12 sq mi (2.90 km 2 ) |
Highest elevation | 69 ft (21 m) |
Lowest elevation | 0 ft (0 m) |
Population (2021) | |
• City | 8,583 |
• Rank | 308th (of 314) |
• Density | 7,700/sq mi (3,000/km 2 ) |
Time zone | UTC±00:00 ( GMT ) |
• Summer ( DST ) | UTC+01:00 ( BST ) |
Postcodes | EC, WC, E |
Area code | 020 |
Geocode |
|
ISO 3166-2 | GB-LND |
Police | City of London Police |
Patron saint | St. Paul |
Website | cityoflondon.gov.uk |
The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City, is a city, ceremonial county and local government district that contains the ancient centre, and constitutes, alongside Canary Wharf, the primary central business district (CBD) of London and one of the leading financial centres of the world.
It constituted most of London from its settlement by the Romans in the 1st century AD to the Middle Ages, but the modern area named London has since grown far beyond the City of London boundary. The City is now only a small part of the metropolis of Greater London, though it remains a notable part of central London,
Administratively, the City of London is not one of the London boroughs, a status reserved for the other 32 districts (including Greater London’s only other city, the City of Westminster ). It is also a separate ceremonial county, being an enclave surrounded by Greater London, and is the smallest ceremonial county in England.
- The City of London is known colloquially as the Square Mile, as it is 1.12 sq mi (716.80 acres; 2.90 km 2 ) in area.
- Both the terms the City and the Square Mile are often used as metonyms for the UK’s trading and financial services industries, which continue a notable history of being largely based in the City.
The name London is now ordinarily used for a far wider area than just the City. London most often denotes the sprawling London metropolis, or the 32 Greater London boroughs, in addition to the City of London itself. The local authority for the City, namely the City of London Corporation, is unique in the UK and has some unusual responsibilities for a local council, such as being the police authority.
It is also unusual in having responsibilities and ownerships beyond its boundaries. The corporation is headed by the Lord Mayor of the City of London (an office separate from, and much older than, the Mayor of London ). The Lord Mayor, as of November 2022, is Nicholas Lyons. The City is made up of 25 wards, with administration at the historic Guildhall,
Other historic sites include St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Exchange, Mansion House, Old Bailey, and Smithfield Market, Although not within the City, the adjacent Tower of London, built to dominate the City, is part of its old defensive perimeter. The City has responsibility for five bridges in its capacity as trustee of the Bridge House Estates : Blackfriars Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Southwark Bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge,
- The City is a major business and financial centre, with both the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange based in the City.
- Throughout the 19th century, the City was the world’s primary business centre, and it continues to be a major meeting point for businesses.
- London came second (after New York) in the Global Financial Centres Index, published in 2022.
The insurance industry is located in the eastern side of the city, around Lloyd’s building, Since about the 1980s, a secondary financial district has existed outside the city, at Canary Wharf, 2.5 miles (4 km) to the east. The legal profession forms a major component of the northern and western sides of the City, especially in the Temple and Chancery Lane areas where the Inns of Court are located, of which two— Inner Temple and Middle Temple —fall within the City of London boundary.
Who can marry at the Tower of London?
Tower Of London Wedding Packages And Pricing Tower of London Weddings If you’re looking for an iconic London wedding venue steeped in heritage and history, the Tower of London is a wonderful choice. This spectacular heritage-listed landmark has a large variety of spaces that will ensure the most incredible backdrop and atmosphere for your central London wedding.
- The tower is also fully licensed for ceremonies, meaning you can legally marry surrounded by the thousand-year-old fortress.
- You’ll love working with your dedicated Royal Historic Palaces wedding coordinator for your wedding at the Tower of London, who will be there to guide you through the planning process from start to finish.
From finalising your favourite castle wedding spaces to arranging exceptional local vendors and caterers, the experienced team at the Tower of London will help bring your vision to life. The Scene at Tower of London Situated on the banks of the River Thames with unrivalled views over Tower Bridge, the Tower of London provides a showstopping setting for your wedding celebrations.
This unique London wedding venue presents a rare opportunity to celebrate your love against the timeless backdrop of one of the UK’s most revered landmarks. Inside the castle walls, you’ll find an impressive array of medieval wedding spaces, The options are endless when it comes to finalising your wedding flow at the Tower of London, with intimate and grand spaces to suit celebrations of all sizes,
Options for your ceremony and reception include the ancient White Tower, the famous Jewel House, the versatile New Armouries, and the contemporary Reveller function space. No matter which space you choose for your wedding, your guests will be blown away by the enchantment and fascinating history of this iconic London landmark.
Lead your wedding guests on an awe-inspiring journey across the castle grounds, starting with a cosy candlelit wedding ceremony in the Wakefield Tower followed by alfresco drinks on the ramparts, overlooking London’s glittering city skyline and the River Thames. From being welcomed by a traditional Yeoman Warder to enjoying a private viewing of the fabled crown jewels, there are a number of magical experiences on offer to make your wedding an unforgettable occasion.
Intriguing historical artefacts await around every corner, and colour-changing uplights set a regal atmosphere as night falls on this unique London wedding venue. Tower of London Wedding Ceremonies For the first time in history, this revered landmark venue is fully licensed for civil wedding ceremonies, offering many spectacular ceremony locations to choose from, depending on your guest numbers.
You might like to have an intimate candlelit ceremony in the Wakefield Tower, with its stunning vaulted ceiling and stained glass windows. Alternatively, the light-filled New Armouries is a popular choice for afternoon wedding ceremonies of up to 150 guests at the Tower of London. Tower of London Wedding Receptions There are plenty of options for your wedding reception at the Tower of London, with spectacular function spaces of different sizes and styles to suit all manner of celebrations.
For a truly special experience, host your reception in the Jewel House and treat your guests to a private viewing of the world’s most valuable array of crowns and jewels, The magnificent White Tower is another popular choice for regal reception dinners, with its original banqueting hall dating back to 1080.
- Another reception space you’ll love is the versatile New Armouries — a charming, light-filled room with gorgeous ceiling beams and wooden floorboards,
- Alternatively, if you’re keen to dance the night away with your loved ones, you might prefer to host your wedding reception in The Reveller — the Tower of London’s newest function space.
This modern space is perfectly placed beneath Tower Bridge arches and boasts neutral interiors, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and breathtaking river views, The Tower of London is a dry hire wedding venue, giving you the freedom and flexibility to curate your dream wedding day to perfection.
Multiple photography options available onsite Tower Bridge River Thames
: Tower Of London Wedding Packages And Pricing
Who was the only woman to be tortured in the Tower of London?
And because I lay still and did not cry, my Lord Chancellor and Master Rich took pains to rack me with their own hands till I was nigh dead. The Lieutenant caused me to be loosed from the rack: incontinently I swooned, and they recovered me again. – Anne Askew, 1546. The only woman reputedly tortured at the Tower
Are Beefeaters married?
For almost a thousand years, the Tower of London has been a symbol of power and fear for people across the world – but for some it was home and even their local. Charming photographs dating back more than 70 years show Yeoman Warders and their families living normal lives behind the walls of the infamous fortress.
- These historic snapshots show the personal lives of the Beefeaters in 1951 as they relax after a hard day’s work and send their kids off to school, while their wives keep order in the household.
- Yeoman Warders are the colourfully dressed bodyguards at the Tower of London.
- They were formed in 1485 by King Henry VII.
They served as the royal house guard of the Tudors. In 1509, Henry VIII moved his residence from the tower, but kept several Yeoman Warders to guard the famous landmark, where a garrison has been kept ever since. Shown left, a quintessential Beefeater, dressed in his regal finery, is pictured standing guard at the Tower of London in a photograph taken in 1951.
Shown right is a group of youngsters who lived in the tower along with their families. They are crossing the main gate bridge and heading into the city An evening’s entertainment in the Yeoman’s private pub is caught on camera as the workers and their families are entertained by a man playing a banjo.
When off duty the Yeoman Warders were able to enjoy many of the trappings of civilian life inside the menacing tower A room with a view: Tower Bridge looms in the background as the Beefeater’s wardrobe is ordered by one of the many support staff who also lived and worked within the landmark’s iconic stone walls Shown left, a yeoman takes off his shoes and enjoys a break reading a newspaper while sitting in front of the fireplace.
- Meanwhile a housewife tends to the windows of one of the many houses inside the tower’s grounds, right.
- These photos show that is is possible to live a normal life, and not lose your head, within the tower walls A pair of housewives, who would have lived inside the tower’s walls along with their husbands, are pictured drying the Yeomen’s washing at the foot of one of the battlements.
At the time of these photos, more than 100 people lived inside the Tower including the guards, their wives and children At the time of these photos, more than 100 people lived inside the Tower including the guards, their wives and children. While on duty, each of the Beefeaters were charged with protecting the crown jewels, looking after prisoners, locking the outer gates and delivering the keys to Resident Governor in the Ceremony of the Keys.
When off duty the Yeoman Warders were able to enjoy many of the trappings of civilian life inside the menacing tower. They even had their own private pub within the walls, only open to them and their invited guests. Wives of these royal guards lead regular lives as well. They could be seen around the Tower of London residence hanging up the laundry next to the walls, cleaning their homes, and cooking for their families.
Wives of these royal guards lead regular lives as well, such as this woman leaving out an empty glass of milk (shown left). They could be seen around the Tower of London residence hanging up the laundry next to the walls, cleaning their homes (right), and cooking for their families A pair of Beefeater’s children play soldiers at the gatehouse of one of the UK’s most significant historical buildings.
- Pictured left, a housewife makes her way up some of the tower’s stone spiral steps to her home following a shopping trip into the city, while shown right, a Yeoman plays a tune while off duty.
- The Ceremony of the Keys takes place on the lawn outside the iconic White Tower, which is located in the middle of the landmark.
Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it was initially a timber construction before gradually being built into the stone keep it is today over the next decade Yeoman Warders even had their own private pub within the walls, only open to them and their invited guests.
Who gets Queen’s Jewels
Who owns the Queen’s jewels and who will inherit them? As we mourn Queen Elizabeth II many will be wondering who owns the jewels she wore and what will happen to them? 16 September 2022 by The Queen wore a mix of the regal Crown Jewels as well as her own jewels. These jewels sit in two categories. The first category is the Crown Jewels that are property of the Crown and are sacred and ceremonial objects of immeasurable value and historical worth.
- The second category is the Queen’s personal collection that makes up the vast majority of the jewels that she has worn during her lifetime.
- Who owns the Crown Jewels? The Crown Jewels are held in trust and are passed from ruler to ruler, meaning King Charles III is now the owner of the 100 Crown Jewels that are kept in the Tower of London.
The Crown Jewels are the ceremonial jewels that are worn at State Occasions and notably the Coronation Regalia. They include St Edward’s Crown (1661), the Imperial State Crown (1937), the Sovereign’s sceptre with Cross (1661) and the Sovereign’s orb (1661). After Joseph Asscher cut the enormous 3,106ct Cullinan diamond in 1902, the two biggest diamonds, Cullinan I and Cullinan II, were set into the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels. Three different crowns featured in the Queen’s coronation in June 1953. The Diamond Diadem was created for George IV’s coronation in 1821 by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. It was worn by the Queen on her coronation and to the State Opening of Parliament since the first year of her reign. Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The Queen wore the Diamond Diadem (above) on her way to her coronation as well as to every State Opening of Parliament of her reign. Queen Elizabeth II wears Queen Mary’s Russian brooch set with a blue sapphire and diamonds with the almost ever-present three strand pearl necklace at the first official engagement at the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. Who owns Queen Elizabeth II’s jewels? Queen Elizabeth II’s own jewels were her property.
The collection is the most magnificent collection of jewels in the world. The collection has been amassed over 400 years, passed down the generations with jewels from many different branches of the family from the Stuarts to the Hanovers. The jewels range from Queen Elizabeth I’s Medici pearls to fabulous Imperial Russian jewels.
The jewels are priceless not only because of their historical provenance that reaches back to the 16th century, but the quality and unique nature of each piece. Where are the Queen’s jewels kept? The 400 or so tiaras, rings, necklaces and brooches are rich in history and of incalculable value. The Cullinan IV and III make up the Queen’s most valuable brooch, and the Queen once referred to them as “Granny’s Chips” as they were the smaller stones from the impressive raw diamond found in South Africa in 1905. Among the highlights of the Queen’s jewels are the brooch with two Cullinan diamonds (above): the pear-drop Cullinan III that weighs 94.4 carats and the square-cut Cullinan IV of 63.3 carats. The Queen pictured at the Epsom Derby in 1962 wearing the Cullinan V Heart brooch made by Garrard in 1911. It is one of the six numbered brooches gifted to Queen Mary. Image: Reginald Davis/Rex Features The most famous of the 50 tiaras owned by the late Queen are the Diamond Diadem, the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland (below), the Lover’s Knot tiara (worn by both Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge), the Greville tiara (worn by the Duchess of Cornwall) and the Fringe tiara. Queen Elizabeth wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, 1956, Baron Studios. Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration Credit line: The Royal Collection (c) 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Who will inherit the Queen’s jewels? It is likely that these jewels will be passed down to members of the Windsor family and if the Queen follows tradition, she will leave the majority of them to the next monarch, which in this case is King Charles III. The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace was a wedding gift from the ruler of Hyderabad from Cartier in London. Set with approximately 300 diamonds, The Queen wore the necklace for photographs that form the basis of Her Majesty’s image on postage stamps until 1971.Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The Queen had already given some of her jewels to her sons’ wives: Camilla, Kate and Meghan.
- Ate, the new Princess of Wales, wears Princess Diana’s engagement ring and she chose a pearl and diamond brooch given to her by the Queen for the Cathedral service at Westminster for the lying-in-state.
- If tradition prevails, most of the Queen’s personal jewels will be passed on to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
It is speculated that Catherine, Princess of Wales will also receive some of the jewels as she will eventually be Queen.
Queen Elizabeth II wears Queen Mary’s Russian brooch set with a blue sapphire and diamonds with the almost ever-present three strand pearl necklace at the first official engagement at the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012. The Diamond Diadem was created for George IV’s coronation in 1821 by Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. It was worn by the Queen on her coronation and to the State Opening of Parliament since the first year of her reign. Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara was given to Princess Victoria Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary) as a wedding present. It was made by R & S Garrard, in 1893. This gold coronet was made for the 11-year old Princess Elizabeth for her parents’ coronation that she wore with a cream dress and purple robe in 1937. Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The 1911 Delhi Durbar necklace was made by Garrard & Co. Ltd. The necklace incorporates nine emeralds originally owned by Queen Mary’s grandmother, the Duchess of Cambridge, as well as an 8.8 carat diamond pendant cut from the Cullinan diamond – the largest diamond ever found. Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The Queen pictured at the Epsom Derby in 1962 wearing the Cullinan V Heart brooch made by Garrard in 1911. It is one of the six numbered brooches gifted to Queen Mary. Image: Reginald Davis/Rex Features Queen Elizabeth wears the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, 1956, Baron Studios. Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration Credit line: The Royal Collection (c) 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II After Joseph Asscher cut the enormous 3,106ct Cullinan diamond in 1902, the two biggest diamonds, Cullinan I and Cullinan II, were set into the Sovereign’s Sceptre and the Imperial State Crown, both of which are part of the British Crown Jewels. The Cullinan IV and III make up the Queen’s most valuable brooch, and the Queen once referred to them as “Granny’s Chips” as they were the smaller stones from the impressive raw diamond found in South Africa in 1905. The Nizam of Hyderabad necklace was a wedding gift from the ruler of Hyderabad from Cartier in London. Set with approximately 300 diamonds, The Queen wore the necklace for photographs that form the basis of Her Majesty’s image on postage stamps until 1971.Platinum Jubilee: The Queen’s Accession exhibition at Buckingham Palace The Queen with Prince Charles and Princess Anne in November 1954 wearing the Williamson brooch set with a pink diamond. Photo by Marcus Adams
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Who can touch the crown jewels
What are the British crown jewels? – Bethany Clarke/Getty Images The crown jewels of the United Kingdom symbolize the monarch’s right and authority to sit on the throne. They are a collection of more than 100 royal ceremonial objects and more than 23,000 gemstones that have been acquired by English kings and queens, most since 1660.
These crown jewels include regalia used at coronations, crowns acquired by various monarchs, church and banqueting plates, insignia, robes and a unique collection of medals and royal christening fonts. There are strict rules surrounding the crown jewels, and only three people in the world are allowed to touch them: the current monarch (that’s now King Charles III ), the Archbishop of Canterbury and the crown jeweler.
For more than 800 years, the crown jewels have lived in the Tower of London. And they’re kept under close guard, leaving the fortress only for official portraits and ceremonial events, like coronations, royal baptisms and the opening of British Parliament.
Are the real Crown Jewels in the Tower of London?
You’ll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These gems are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by the monarch for important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament.
Why are they called Beefeaters?
What’s the name of the people that guard the Tower of London and why are the guards known as Beefeaters? – Fun Kids – the UK’s children’s radio station Find out all about the guards of the Tower here! Not everyone can have a Beefeater for an uncle, like Annabel does in our, but you can see the famous Yeoman Warders when you visit the Tower! They’re recognised as symbols of the Tower all over the world, have been here for centuries.
- They were originally part of the Yeomen of the Guard, the monarch’s personal bodyguard who travelled with him.
- Henry VII’s personal guards were the first ‘Beefeaters’, so named as they were permitted to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King’s table, and Henry VIII decreed that some of them would stay and guard the Tower permanently.
Today the Yeomen Warders or the ‘Beefeaters’ guard the visitors, but still carry out ceremonial duties, such as unlocking and locking the Tower every day in the Ceremony of the Keys. They wear their red state ‘dress uniforms’ for important occasions at the Tower, and also for special events such as the firing of the huge cannon on the Wharf, known as the Gun Salutes! : What’s the name of the people that guard the Tower of London and why are the guards known as Beefeaters? – Fun Kids – the UK’s children’s radio station
Do Beefeaters have to be ex military?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yeomen Warders of His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress The Tower of London | |
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Badge of the Yeomen Warders | |
Active | 1485 (1509: see History) – present |
Country | United Kingdom |
Role | Palace and Fortress Guard |
Garrison/HQ | London |
Motto(s) | Dieu et mon droit |
Commanders | |
Colonel in Chief | The King |
Insignia | |
Collar Badge | Rose, Thistle and Shamrock |
The Yeomen Warders of His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary, popularly known as the Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London, In principle they are responsible for looking after any prisoners in the Tower and safeguarding the British crown jewels, A Yeoman Warder in his newly produced dress showing Charles III ‘s Cypher. Photographed at the gates of The Tower of London 24th April 2023 Although the Yeomen Warders are often referred to as Yeomen of the Guard, a distinct corps of Royal Bodyguards of the British monarch, the Yeomen Warders are in fact a separate entity.
Are Beefeaters ex soldiers?
Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times. Nicknamed ‘Beefeaters’, the Yeoman Body of 32 men and women are all drawn from the Armed Forces.
Who was last person executed in Tower of London?
The Tower of London and Tower Hill – Contrary to popular belief, very few people were actually executed within the Tower complex itself; most public executions took place on nearby Tower Hill. The Tower was reserved for the superstars of their day, including the three queens: Anne Boleyn (1536), Catherine Howard (1542) and Lady Jane Grey (1554), who were all beheaded. As befits their station in life these were private executions, carried out beyond the gaze of the great unwashed. In particular, Anne Boleyn received extra-special treatment; to make sure her death was as quick as possible an expert swordsman was brought over from France. In stark contrast, the unlucky 68 year old Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, met her gruesome end at the hands of a particularly useless executioner who literally hacked her to death. Although frail and ill, after the first botched attempt to remove her head, she leapt from the block and was chased by her axe-wielding executioner. She was struck eleven times with the axe before she died. The last person to be executed in the Tower was Josef Jakobs, a German spy, who was captured after parachuting into England during the Second World War, He was shot by a firing squad on 15 August 1941. A little to the northwest of the Tower of London is Tower Hill, the site of countless public executions. Many of the more distinguished names can be seen on plaques in the memorial gardens on the site of the Scaffold. Some of these are perhaps recognisable through association with those who met their end at the Tower, including George Boleyn, brother of Anne Boleyn, and Henry Howard, cousin of both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Sir Thomas More, the Lord High Chancellor of England, the man who opposed Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church and the annulment of his first marriage to Katherine of Aragon is also named on the plaques, as is his arch nemesis Thomas Cromwell. View this site as it is today
Who were the most famous prisoners in the Tower of London?
8 things you need to know about the Tower of London – Google Arts & Culture The White Tower, Tower of London, looking south-east (2019) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces 1. The White Tower: 1000 years of history William the Conqueror started building the White Tower shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
- The mighty Norman castle was a symbol of royal power not seen before in England.
- It was intended to both protect and intimidate the City of London.
- It’s hard to imagine in the hustle and bustle of modern London, but the White Tower would have soared over medieval London, challenged only in height by Old St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Wakefield Tower Throne Room, Tower of London (2017) by Simon Jarratt Historic Royal Palaces The Tower of London has been many things throughout its long history. It was designed to be an important royal fortress, palace, and prison. It has also been home to the Royal Armouries, The Crown Jewels, and even the Royal Menagerie.
- The Wakefield Tower Throne Room, Tower of London (2017) by Simon Jarratt Historic Royal Palaces The Tower of London has welcomed visitors since at least the 1500s.
- Millions of visitors come to marvel at the Tower’s sights and learn about its history.
- Since 1988 the Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Portrait of Henry VIII of England (Around 1537) by Hans Holbein, the Younger Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza 3. Famous inhabitants of the Tower Some of the most famous people in British history have lived or stayed at the Tower. These have included monarchs Edward I, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, and Queen Elizabeth I.
- Other famous inhabitants included poet Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Walter Raleigh, and the Duke of Wellington.
- Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London (2017) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces The Tower has also been home to centuries of people who have run the day-to-day business of the Tower.
- These have included the Constables, Governors, and of course quite a few ravens! The Tower has also been home to and their families for more than 500 years.
Onthoofding van Anna Boleyn, 1536 (1699) by Luyken, Jan Rijksmuseum 4. Famous prisoners of the Tower Many famous prisoners were imprisoned at the Tower of London. These have included Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, Guy Fawkes, and the Kray twins. No prisoner was more famous than Queen Anne Boleyn who was executed at the Tower in 1536.
- Monument commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot Monument commemorating the failure of the Gunpowder Plot Historic Royal Palaces The Tower has a grisly history as a place of interrogation and even torture.
- Subjects of this treatment included victims of religious persecution as well as enemies of the crown.
The famous were interrogated in the Council Chamber of the King’s House. The Byward Tower mural, Tower of London (2015) by James Brittain Historic Royal Palaces Sadly, there are parts of the Tower which can’t easily be shared with all our visitors. These include secret cells where some of our most famous prisoners were kept, amazing archaeology, and wonderous works of art.
One of the most breath-taking is the mesmerising, A True and Exact Draught of the Tower Liberties (16th Century) by John Gascoyne and William Haiward Historic Royal Palaces Although the White Tower is the best known and most iconic, the Tower of London has 23 named towers, and that’s not to mention all the smaller turrets.
The many buildings at the Tower have facilitated stores, a royal mint, and even an observatory. The Flamsteed Tower (1914) by H.M. Office of Works Historic Royal Palaces The architecture of the Tower of London is a fascinating combination of Roman, Medieval, Tudor, Victorian, and modern buildings.
In particular the Tower was subject to a significant neo-gothic overhaul in the 1800s. You can learn more from our collection. The Princes in the Tower (c1831-99) by Unknown artist after an original painting by Hippolyte-Paul Delaroche Historic Royal Palaces 7. Representations of the Tower in art There aren’t many buildings in London that have been painted, drawn, and written about as much as the Tower of London.
As the backdrop to some of the most famous events in British history it is not surprising so many artists have been inspired by its grandeur,, Yeoman Warder tour, Tower of London (2022) by Richard Lea-Hair Historic Royal Palaces The Tower of London and its people can’t wait to welcome you.
Related themeTower of LondonDiscover the Tower of London
: 8 things you need to know about the Tower of London – Google Arts & Culture
Who was the last spy executed at the Tower of London
The last spy to be executed at the Tower – Josef Jakobs was the last spy to be executed at the Tower during World War II. Jakobs was conscripted into the German army during WWI, where he was shot in the chest on duty. He recovered and worked as a dentist.
When the Nazi Party rose to power, he sold black market passports to Jewish people fleeing the country. He was eventually arrested by the Gestapo and sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp in 1938. After two years, Jakobs was released in exchange for working as a spy in England for the German military intelligence.
Like Carl Hans Lody, Jakobs was not suited for espionage, but the government needed agents for risky missions. Allegedly, Jakobs confided to a friend that he planned to help the British Intelligence so that he could secure safe passage to America.
How many people live in the Tower of London today?
Who lives at the Tower of London? – As of this writing, roughly 150 people make the Tower of London their home. This includes the Yeoman Warders (the Beefeaters) and their families, a doctor, chaplain, and the Tower’s Governor. And of course, the famous ravens.
Does the queen ever stay at the Tower of London
TOWER OF LONDON – Founded by William The Conqueror after the Norman Conquest of 1066, The Tower Of London is the oldest fortress and palace in Europe. By Tudor times it had been significantly extended, and although it was officially a royal residence, it was mainly used as a prison.
- During the Wars of the Roses, King Richard III famously imprisoned his young nephews in the Tower of London, King Edward V and Prince Richard, and King Henry VIII imprisoned several statesmen there aswell as two wives.
- Queen Elizabeth herself was a prisoner at the Tower during the reign of her half-sister, Queen Mary I, and was fortunate to survive.
Her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed at the Tower, when Elizabeth was only two years of age, and was buried in an unmarked grave in the Tower’s Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Princes in the Tower Wiki Commons By Queen Elizabeth’s reign, the Tower had gained a sinister reputation and was considered a place of dread. Aswell as being a prison it was also a place of torture. Queen Elizabeth never held court there, but did stay at the Tower the night before her coronation, as was customary.
During the Queen’s reign a number of Catholic priests were imprisoned in the Tower, most famously Father John Gerard, who made a dramatic escape in 1597, and several nobles, including Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, who was executed at the Tower in 1572, and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, who was beheaded there in 1601.
The Tower Of London remains a royal palace today and houses the crown jewels. It is open to the public and is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions. PALACES CONTENTS Ads Links Books Links Quizzes
Why does Megan Clawson live in the Tower of London?
The Tower of London is a must-see tourist destination for visitors to the U.K.’s capitol. But for Megan Clawson, it’s home. The 22-year-old recent college grad has written a novel inspired by her unique living situation. So, you ask, how did she get to having a bedroom in this nearly thousand year old tower? Clawson moved to the historic fortress during the pandemic in 2020, leaving behind her living accommodations at King’s College London, to save money on rent.
- And she gained a new — yet familiar — roommate in the process, she tells TODAY.com.
- Her father had been living within the Tower of London’s ancient walls since 2018 as part of his job as a Yeoman Warder (colloquially known as a Beefeater), which is the ceremonial bodyguard to the monarch, guardian of the Tower of London and keeper of the crown jewels.
It’s a small portion of the the country’s armed forces: There are 32 Yeoman Warders, all of whom have a minimum of 22 years in the armed forces. “I got here and I was like, ‘Why did I not just do this from the very beginning?'” she says of moving in with her dad.
- Definitely one of the few things that’s good that’s come out of the pandemic is it’s made me decide to make the Tower my home.” Clawson, who graduated from university in 2021, began documenting her life in the Tower of London on TikTok.
- Her account, @meganambxr, has garnered over 300 thousand followers.
“Learning the history and sharing it on my TikTok was my way of keeping the Tower alive and also giving back to the Tower,” she says. “I felt like I owed it to the Tower to learn about the people that were here before me and all of the things that it’s seen.
- I really wish that walls could talk because we’d get some really interesting conversations.” The Tower of London also gave her the idea for her first novel.
- Clawson says she had never read a rom-com book with a member of the Royal Guard, which are “such a prolific thing in British culture,” as a romantic lead.
The rest is history. The famous setting became the backdrop for her debut novel “Falling Hard for the Royal Guard,” which is set to be released on May 2. The book centers around Margaret “Maggie” Moore, 26, who has always dreamed of her fairy-tale ending with a perfect match.
While she hasn’t had much luck so far, a chance encounter with a Royal Guard makes her hopeful. “To turn my knowledge and my kind of intimacy with the Tower into something like a book, it just felt natural.” Megan Clawson Clawson didn’t have to do much research to write the novel set in the Tower of London.
Instead, she was able to bring her own authentic voice to the pages. “To turn my knowledge and my kind of intimacy with the Tower into something like a book, it just felt natural,” she says.
How much does a yeoman warder get paid?
Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, the Banqueting House, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle & Gardens. Departments Yeoman Body Home Palace HM Tower of London Status Established/Permanent Estimated Start date 1 March 2023 Salary Circa £34,000 per annum inclusive of allowances Salary Rate Per Annum Days/Hours of work Basic hours are 37 per week excl.
- Meal breaks.14 working days in every three-week block roster.
- Regular weekends and Bank Holidays.
- Required to work overtime and occasional night shifts.
- About the role Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle.
HRP’s cause is to stir every spirit to inspire and promote change. We currently have a vacancy for a new Yeoman Warder. As part of the Yeoman Body, your main responsibility will be to ‘stir the spirit’ of every visitor to HM Tower of London; you will conduct large parties around the Tower and bring its history and stories to life.
- You will also contribute to the safety and security of the Tower, support daytime and evening events and take part in ceremonial duties and parades.
- About you Yeoman Warders are civilian employees of Historic Royal Palaces and are appointed in their ceremonial role under the authority of the Constable of HM Tower of London.
They are also Extraordinary Members of the Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard, the Sovereign’s ceremonial bodyguards. Due to the Yeoman Warder’s unique status, there is strict eligibility for joining To apply for this position you must: 1. Be a former Warrant Officer, class 1 or 2, (or the equivalent rank in other services) and in exceptional circumstances, a Staff Sergeant, from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines.2.
- Hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal 3.
- Have served within the regular armed services for at least 22 years We are looking for excellent communicators who thrive in a busy customer-service environment and enjoy meeting new people every day.
- For further information on our recruitment processes and about the role, please read additional supporting information.
Please include your CV and a Covering Letter in your application. We expect the First Stage Interview / Open Day for shortlisted applicants to take place on 24th January 2023, though this may be subject to change. Interviews are held in-person, at HM Tower of London.
Start date to be confirmed depending on successful candidate’s notice period. Additional Information Yeoman Warder Recruitment Guidance HM Tower of London Thank you for your interest in becoming a Yeoman Warder with Historic Royal Palaces, based at HM Tower of London. The following guidance will provide you with some further background information to the role, outline the recruitment process, and advise you of some of the expectations associated with the role of Yeoman Warder.
We hope that this will provide you with all the supporting information you may need for your application, but please contact [email protected] for any further queries and we will be happy to help. Background Information 1. The Tower of London is one of the country’s premier tourist attractions and in a normal year would be visited by around three million visitors.
The Tower is managed by Historic Royal Palaces (a Registered Charity since 1998), which is charged with the presentation, interpretation, conservation and maintenance of the Tower and the other four famous Royal Palaces in the London area – Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace State Apartments, Kew Palace and the Banqueting House Whitehall – as well as Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.2.
Yeoman Warders are civilian employees of Historic Royal Palaces and are ceremonially appointed under the authority of the Constable of HM Tower of London. They are also Extraordinary Members of the Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard, the Sovereign’s ceremonial bodyguards.
Yeoman Warders’ duties include: • Delivering the highest standard of customer service, aiming to ‘stir the spirit’ of every visitor; • Conducting large parties of visitors around the Tower, relating its history and stories; • Contributing to the safety and security of the Tower, its contents, visitors, staff and residents; • Giving talks and providing information to members of the public; • Taking part in ceremonial duties and parades.
• Supporting out of hours tours and events. Reflecting their ceremonial role, Yeoman Warders take an Oath of Allegiance to the Sovereign and are sworn in as: • Members of the Yeoman Body • Members of the King’s Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard in Extraordinary Eligibility The Yeoman body forms a unique part of our traditions and cultural heritage at HM Tower of London.
Candidates for appointment as Yeoman Warders must fulfil all the following: • Be a former Warrant Officer or, in exceptional circumstances, Staff Serjeant (or service equivalent) from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines • Hold the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal • Have served within the regular armed services for at least 22 years • Have a suitable level of fitness to carry out the fundamental requirements of the job profile.
Successful Candidates will be offered permanent employment contracts subject to: • Successful reference and security checks • Satisfactory completion of 6 months’ probation • Occupational Health clearance. • The current basic starting salary is approximately £28,810 per annum, however with allowances Yeoman Warders can expect a gross income of approximately £34,000.
• The basic conditioned working hours are 37 per week excluding meal breaks. Yeoman Warders are rostered to work a working pattern which has 14 working days in every three-week block. This working pattern includes regular weekends and Bank Holidays. In addition, Yeoman Warders are required to work overtime and occasional night shifts.
• Annual leave is 23 days per annum rising to 25.5 days per annum upon completion of 3 years of employment, and 26.5 days after completing 10 years’ service, plus 8 days statutory (Bank) holidays per annum. • Outer uniform clothing to an agreed scale is provided free of charge.
- Accommodation • Yeoman Warders are expected to live within the Tower with their families and are provided with unfurnished residential accommodation.
- Newly appointed Yeoman Warders may expect to be offered residential accommodation following completion of their probation • Most apartments within the Tower have 2 bedrooms, but there are a limited number of 3- bedroom apartments which may become available after a reasonable period of service as a Yeoman Warder.
• A charge is made for the accommodation provided, currently this is in the form of rent linked to a percentage (currently 8.5%) of pensionable earnings and is deducted direct from salary each month. Yeoman Warders are responsible for paying Council Tax to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets in respect of their accommodation, and for paying for the utilities (gas and electricity) provided to them.
Because of the restricted nature of the Tower there is a strict limit on the number of pets (particularly dogs) that can be allowed within the Yeoman Warders’ accommodation. Newly appointed Yeoman Warders may not be able to bring pets (particularly dogs and cats) with them but may have to wait until an existing Yeoman Warder with a cat or dog leaves the Tower.
Recruitment Process Stage 1 – Application form We are now only able to accept applications when we have a vacancy and are actively recruiting for a role. However, we do retain a list of contact details for people who have expressed an interest in the role and will inform you when we are about to advertise a vacancy to make you aware of closing dates.
- If you fit the criteria above and would like to be contacted about future vacancies, please sign up for a job alert here,
- As part of our recruitment monitoring processes, we are only able to accept applications on-line through our website.
- The application can be found through the HRP website here and finding the ‘Yeoman Warder’ listed vacancy.
Please note the closing dates, as we will be unable to accept application forms submitted after the deadline has passed. On the application form you will need to highlight how you meet the criteria, and you will also need to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet our role requirements.
On our advert, we will state the desired start date of the role. It is important that you note this and are able to start within 6 weeks of this date. Stage 2 – Familiarisation Day Following a review and shortlisting of all submitted application forms, we will invite 12-15 of the highest scoring candidates to a Familiarisation Day at HM Tower of London.
During this day you will learn more about the role of Yeoman Warder, have a short interview with the Chief Yeoman Warder and/or Yeoman Gaoler and Senior Tower of London management and meet some of the current Yeoman Warders. On joining the Yeoman body, following a successful probation period, you will be expected to live within one of our homes within the Tower of London.
The familiarisation day will also give you the opportunity to find out more about becoming part of the Tower community, as we recognise that this is an important factor for you and your families in deciding whether to pursue your application. Stage 3 –Interview & Assessment Half day Following from the Familiarisation Day at HM Tower of London, we will then conduct a further short list and invite successful candidates to an interview and assessment centre, which will last approximately 2-3 hours.
During the assessment half day, you will have the opportunity to ask any further questions about aspects of the role. Assessment Format: – In-depth Interview – This is a more in-depth interview than on the familiarisation day and assesses your suitability against the HRP Performance Framework qualities.
- Your interview is likely to be conducted by the Chief Yeoman Warder, Head of Operations and HR Manager.
- Presentation -Presentation style and delivery is an important skill in becoming a Yeoman Warder in conducting visitor tours, so you will be required to deliver a presentation to an interview panel, the subject of which will be decided by us.
– Informal chat – As well as joining the Yeoman Body, you will be joining HM Tower of London / Historic Royal Palaces (HRP). You will therefore get to meet some of the other staff from these teams that that the Yeoman Body work alongside– such as Warding, and Functions & Events.
- You will also be able to meet the Yeoman Serjeant who would be your line manager if successful in your application to become a Yeoman Warder.
- Stage 4 –Meet with Tower Governor Following from the interview and assessment half day at HM Tower of London, we will then conduct a further short list and invite successful candidates to meet with the Tower Governor and a Tower Senior Manager for a final interview.
Stage 5 – Following the Interview We aim to advise all candidates the outcome of their interview within 3-5 working days. Successful candidates will under-go pre-employment checks prior to starting their role. For the first six months of their role, new Yeoman Warders are on probation, during which time their performance is monitored.
- Yeoman Warders are not allocated accommodation within HM Tower of London until successful completion of their probationary period.
- However, duty accommodation may be provided.
- Further information regarding applications Recruitment of Yeoman Warders happens on an infrequent basis and as such we only recruit for Yeoman Warders when there is a vacancy.
We therefore cannot guarantee how often recruitment will take place. If you are interested in becoming a Yeoman Warder, we therefore suggest you register your interest in order for us to alert you to any vacancies that arise in order for you to submit an application.