Infamous water gate entrance to the Tower of London, used by prisoners accused of treason.
For centuries, British prisoners accused of treason faced a terrifying journey into the Tower of London through Traitors' Gate. Originally known as Water Gate, it was built in the late 1270s along the River Thames, allowing King Edward I and other royals to enter St. Thomas's Tower by water. At that time, the tower served as a royal residence. As the Tower of London transitioned into a prison, Traitors' Gate became the entry point for prisoners accused of treason. The name "Traitors' Gate" was first used in 1544. This gate witnessed the arrival of many notable figures, such as Sir Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Queen Elizabeth I before she became queen. There is some debate about whether Queen Anne Boleyn was also brought through this gate. The gate's location meant prisoners often passed under London Bridge on their way to the tower. Until the late 17th century, the heads of executed prisoners were displayed on pikes beneath the bridge, a gruesome sight for those being led to the tower. Hundreds of prisoners passed through Traitors' Gate over the centuries, many never to return alive. In the mid-19th century, the outer archway of the gate was bricked up due to rising water levels, but it remains clearly labeled for those viewing it from across the river. Traitors' Gate stands as a chilling reminder of the Tower of London's dark history, its legacy etched in the stone walls that bore witness to the final journeys of many historical figures.
Easily visible from the Tower Bridge and at the Tower of London! Beautiful places.
Good food, drinks and atmosphere and a great location near Fenchurch Street station. Service could have been a little friendlier and the pub food is pretty standard but would definitely go back.
Protect those ravens. According to King Charles II's decree, if the ravens leave the site, then its White Tower will crumble and the "Kingdom of England" will fall. Buy and enjoy reading "The Ravenmaster". If you're lucky, the author and beefeater will be your guide on your tour.
Famous or notorious? Although Edward I had St. Thomas's Tower built as a water gate for the castle between 1275 and 1279, it was also a luxurious (yet fortified!) residence for the king. Yet this entrance is best known as the infamous gate through which many a famous prisoner such as Sir Thomas More entered the Tower. The name Traitors' Gate has been used since before 1543, when that name is used on Anton van den Wyngaerde's panorama of London. Prisoners were brought by barge along the Thames, passing under London Bridge, where the heads of recently executed prisoners were displayed on spikes.
Not the best way to begin a tour of the Tower but at least you don't have to queue for a ticket or bag check. Now that the river no longer washes up against the timbers most newcomers us the bridge entrance. Not many using this gate came out before their heads were removed.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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For centuries, British prisoners accused of treason faced a terrifying journey into the Tower of London through Traitors' Gate. Originally known as Water Gate, it was built in the late 1270s along the River Thames, allowing King Edward I and other royals to enter St. Thomas's Tower by water. At that time, the tower served as a royal residence. As the Tower of London transitioned into a prison, Traitors' Gate became the entry point for prisoners accused of treason. The name "Traitors' Gate" was first used in 1544. This gate witnessed the arrival of many notable figures, such as Sir Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Queen Elizabeth I before she became queen. There is some debate about whether Queen Anne Boleyn was also brought through this gate. The gate's location meant prisoners often passed under London Bridge on their way to the tower. Until the late 17th century, the heads of executed prisoners were displayed on pikes beneath the bridge, a gruesome sight for those being led to the tower. Hundreds of prisoners passed through Traitors' Gate over the centuries, many never to return alive. In the mid-19th century, the outer archway of the gate was bricked up due to rising water levels, but it remains clearly labeled for those viewing it from across the river. Traitors' Gate stands as a chilling reminder of the Tower of London's dark history, its legacy etched in the stone walls that bore witness to the final journeys of many historical figures.
Easily visible from the Tower Bridge and at the Tower of London! Beautiful places.
Good food, drinks and atmosphere and a great location near Fenchurch Street station. Service could have been a little friendlier and the pub food is pretty standard but would definitely go back.
Protect those ravens. According to King Charles II's decree, if the ravens leave the site, then its White Tower will crumble and the "Kingdom of England" will fall. Buy and enjoy reading "The Ravenmaster". If you're lucky, the author and beefeater will be your guide on your tour.
Famous or notorious? Although Edward I had St. Thomas's Tower built as a water gate for the castle between 1275 and 1279, it was also a luxurious (yet fortified!) residence for the king. Yet this entrance is best known as the infamous gate through which many a famous prisoner such as Sir Thomas More entered the Tower. The name Traitors' Gate has been used since before 1543, when that name is used on Anton van den Wyngaerde's panorama of London. Prisoners were brought by barge along the Thames, passing under London Bridge, where the heads of recently executed prisoners were displayed on spikes.
Not the best way to begin a tour of the Tower but at least you don't have to queue for a ticket or bag check. Now that the river no longer washes up against the timbers most newcomers us the bridge entrance. Not many using this gate came out before their heads were removed.
