Beauchamp Tower is a 15th-century fortified tower house located in the village of Lands End, near St Buryan, Cornwall, England. The tower stands 30 feet tall and has a square base with a circular turret on top. It is constructed from local granite and features narrow windows, a machicolation, and a battlemented parapet. The tower's architecture suggests it was built for defensive purposes, and its strategic location overlooking Mount's Bay would have provided a vantage point for monitoring the sea and surrounding coastline. Beauchamp Tower is now a Grade II* listed building and is open to the public during the summer months.
The Tower of London is home to many historical treasures, and one of the most captivating is Beauchamp (pronounced "Beecham") Tower. This part of the inner defensive wall once held high-ranking prisoners, and its walls are adorned with graffiti that tells a poignant story. The carvings, made by prisoners in the 16th and 17th centuries, differ significantly from modern graffiti. These inscriptions are beautiful, intricate, and deeply moving. They serve as personal epitaphs, messages left by prisoners for the living world before facing execution. The scripts are neat, fluid, and often elaborate, while the images are complex, featuring animals, plants, and even a mysterious zodiac wheel. Protected behind clear panels, these carvings include the marks of many notable prisoners. Thomas Abel, chaplain to Queen Katherine of Aragon, carved his name and a bell into the wall after his imprisonment by King Henry VIII. Arthur and Edmund Poole, brothers accused of plotting to secure the throne for Mary Queen of Scots, left their marks here as well. You can also see the work of Lord Guildford Dudley, husband of Lady Jane Grey. Exploring this historic graffiti offers a unique glimpse into the lives and thoughts of the prisoners, making Beauchamp Tower a poignant and fascinating highlight of any visit to the Tower of London.
Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick was imprisoned in this tower at the end of the 14th century for rebelling against king Richard II. The building has been used to house prisoners throughout its history. Some prisoners carved graffiti into the Tower's walls ensured they would be remembered after death.
Great place to visit and dwell for breaf moments in time's passed.
Well worth seeing during a visit to the Tower of London. This was a prison, and the carved graffiti left by the prisoners is fascinating--nothing like today's graffiti.
Built between 1275 and 1285. This tower was used to house prisoners of noble rank. Its most famous captive was Lady Jane Grey's husband, Lord Guildford Dudley.
Best pictures of the Tower are gained from outside the gates on the Wester side or from Tower Hill. Sculptured archers man the battlements.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Beauchamp Tower. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in 35 Tower Hill, London EC3N 4DR
Searching for hotels...
The Tower of London is home to many historical treasures, and one of the most captivating is Beauchamp (pronounced "Beecham") Tower. This part of the inner defensive wall once held high-ranking prisoners, and its walls are adorned with graffiti that tells a poignant story. The carvings, made by prisoners in the 16th and 17th centuries, differ significantly from modern graffiti. These inscriptions are beautiful, intricate, and deeply moving. They serve as personal epitaphs, messages left by prisoners for the living world before facing execution. The scripts are neat, fluid, and often elaborate, while the images are complex, featuring animals, plants, and even a mysterious zodiac wheel. Protected behind clear panels, these carvings include the marks of many notable prisoners. Thomas Abel, chaplain to Queen Katherine of Aragon, carved his name and a bell into the wall after his imprisonment by King Henry VIII. Arthur and Edmund Poole, brothers accused of plotting to secure the throne for Mary Queen of Scots, left their marks here as well. You can also see the work of Lord Guildford Dudley, husband of Lady Jane Grey. Exploring this historic graffiti offers a unique glimpse into the lives and thoughts of the prisoners, making Beauchamp Tower a poignant and fascinating highlight of any visit to the Tower of London.
Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick was imprisoned in this tower at the end of the 14th century for rebelling against king Richard II. The building has been used to house prisoners throughout its history. Some prisoners carved graffiti into the Tower's walls ensured they would be remembered after death.
Great place to visit and dwell for breaf moments in time's passed.
Well worth seeing during a visit to the Tower of London. This was a prison, and the carved graffiti left by the prisoners is fascinating--nothing like today's graffiti.
Built between 1275 and 1285. This tower was used to house prisoners of noble rank. Its most famous captive was Lady Jane Grey's husband, Lord Guildford Dudley.
Best pictures of the Tower are gained from outside the gates on the Wester side or from Tower Hill. Sculptured archers man the battlements.
