Famous Prisoners of the Tower of London

The Tower of London has held many notable prisoners over its 900‑year history:

• Anne Boleyn (1536) – Henry VIII's 2nd wife; executed on Tower Green.
• Sir Thomas More (1534‑35) – Lord Chancellor; executed for refusing Oath of Supremacy.
• Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I) (1554) – Imprisoned by Mary I; released, became queen.
• Guy Fawkes (1605‑06) – Gunpowder Plot; tortured, executed.
• Rudolf Hess (1941) – Nazi deputy Führer; held briefly after flight to Scotland.
• Lady Jane Grey (1553‑54) – "Nine Days' Queen"; executed.
• Sir Walter Raleigh (1603‑16, 1618) – Explorer; imprisoned 13 years, executed.
• The Princes in the Tower (1483) – Edward V & Richard of Shrewsbury; disappeared.

Prisoners ranged from royalty to traitors, spies, and political dissidents.