Summary
The Tower of London, founded in the 11th century and used over the centuries as a royal palace, fortress and prison, has accumulated one of Britain's richest collections of ghost stories. Guards, residents and visitors have reported apparitions and unexplained experiences at different locations within the complex. The best-known alleged ghost is Anne Boleyn, executed on Tower Green in 1536, whose figure is traditionally said to appear near the site of her execution and the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula. Other traditions associate the Tower with the apparition of Henry VI, mysterious figures around Tower Green and even a phantom bear. Although these stories are deeply embedded in the Tower's folklore, there is no established evidence that they have a paranormal origin.
Additional Notes
One of the more detailed historical accounts concerns Edmund Lenthal Swifte, Keeper of the Crown Jewels, who described an extraordinary apparition seen in the Martin Tower in January 1816. He later recalled a pale, translucent form appearing in the room while members of his family were present. The story subsequently became associated with the legend of a phantom bear, although later versions differed considerably in their details. Another notable account dates from 1864, when a rifleman guarding the area near the King's House reportedly encountered a white figure. According to the later story, he challenged the apparition before attempting to strike it with his bayonet, only for the weapon to pass through it. Two people were said to have witnessed the incident from the Bloody Tower, and the soldier was reportedly acquitted when subsequently accused of neglecting his duty. Tower tradition also holds that the ghost of Henry VI appears in the Wakefield Tower around 11 p.m. on 21 May, the anniversary of his death in 1471. Anne Boleyn is associated with several locations around Tower Green and the chapel where she was buried. These accounts range from comparatively detailed historical testimony to much later folklore, making it difficult to determine when individual traditions originated or how much they changed through repeated retelling. --- Numerous guards, residents, officials and visitors have reported alleged apparitions or other unexplained experiences at the Tower of London over the past two centuries. Reports concern several different locations and supposed figures, including Anne Boleyn, Henry VI and unidentified apparitions. Because the accounts span many generations, no reliable total number of witnesses can be established.
The Location Today
The Tower of London remains an active historic royal fortress and visitor attraction managed by Historic Royal Palaces. Visitors can explore designated areas with admission, including guided tours.
- Environment
- Castle
- Time of Day
- Various – day and night
- Evidence Level
- Witness Report
- Visiting the Location
- Ticketed, Guided, Limited
- Ownership of the Location
- Public