the Most Haunted Places Within Its Walls

The Tower of London is one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, known not just for its formidable medieval architecture but also for its dark and mysterious history. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, this centuries-old fortress has served many roles—from royal palace and armory to prison and place of execution. But beyond its historical grandeur lies a chilling reputation: it is considered one of the most haunted places in the world. Let’s step inside the Tower's ancient stone walls and explore the most haunted spots that have terrified visitors, guards, and historians alike for generations.

The fortress's oldest component is the White Tower, the central keep built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Additionally, it is said to be one of the most eerie. Phantom figures have been seen wandering the halls late at night, according to guards. One of the most terrifying accounts comes from a soldier who claimed to see a shadowy figure holding a torch glide across the corridor—only to vanish through a wall. A sudden drop in temperature and an overwhelming sense of dread inside have been experienced by others.

The legend of the Two Princes in the Tower—Edward V and his younger brother, Richard of Shrewsbury—is perhaps the most chilling tale associated with the Tower. Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the young princes' uncle, supposedly placed them in the Tower in 1483 for their protection. But they mysteriously disappeared and were never seen again. Two small skeletons, thought to be theirs, were found centuries later beneath a staircase. Visitors still make the claim that they have seen two boys' ghosts lingering near the Bloody Tower, sometimes holding hands. Their pale faces and frightened expressions leave a lasting impression on those who see them.

Despite its peaceful appearance, Tower Green was the location of some of the most infamous royal executions in British history. Certain high-status prisoners were granted the "mercy" of private beheadings here, in contrast to common criminals whose executions were carried out in public on Tower Hill. Among the most famous victims was Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII. Beheaded in 1536 on charges of adultery and treason, Anne is perhaps the most famous ghost of the Tower. She is frequently seen carrying her severed head as she walks near the execution site. Another tragic figure associated with Tower Green is Lady Jane Grey, the Nine Days’ Queen. Her pale ghost has reportedly been seen wandering the green in sorrow since she was killed when she was just 16 years old.

The Tower complex's picturesque timber-framed Queen's House conceals a gloomy past beneath its charming exterior. Guy Fawkes, the notorious Gunpowder Plot conspirator, was questioned and tortured here. Guards and staff have heard disembodied screams and cries echoing through the rooms, believed to be from past prisoners. Many also claim to have seen doors slam shut on their own, and objects move inexplicably.

High-profile prisoners were kept in isolation in another of the Tower's smaller structures, the Salt Tower. Gilles Garnier, who was accused of being a werewolf and practicing witchcraft, was one of these prisoners. Inside the tower, he was said to have gone insane. Upon entering the Salt Tower today, some visitors report feeling faint or disoriented. The sensation of being watched, eerie whispers, and ghostly laughter are also mentioned.

King Henry VI, a gentle and religious monarch, was imprisoned during the Wars of the Roses and murdered in the Wakefield Tower in 1471.

Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) and other visitors have reported seeing a figure dressed in royal garb kneeling in prayer before slowly disappearing. His ghost is said to appear each year on the anniversary of his death, May 21st.