Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

A parish church that spans over five centuries of history

For over five hundred years, the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula has been the Tower’s parish church and the final resting place for many who called the Tower home, and many of those imprisoned within its walls. It is one of the most important buildings within the fortress as a place of immense spiritual and historic importance.

The origins of the Chapel may relate to a 9th-century Saxon chapel that once stood near this site. It was later replaced in 1128 during Henry I’s reign and, again, in 1287 under Edward I before being lost to a devastating fire in 1512.

The Chapel that stands today was constructed between 1519 and 1520 during Henry VIII’s reign, offering fascinating insights into Tudor history and religion.

It was built under the supervision of the Lieutenant of the Tower, Sir Richard Cholmondeley. A large tomb monument for Sir Richard and his wife Elizabeth takes a prominent position in the Chapel, though neither were in fact buried there.

When

Currently closed

Access information

Those attending a service in the Chapel should enter the Tower via the Middle Drawbridge. Access to other areas of the Tower of London requires the purchase of a ticket.

Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Tower of London tickets

Things to see

The burial site of three Tudor queens

Three queens of England have been laid to rest here at St Peter ad Vincula: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey. They were executed in different places within the Tower, but are commemorated with a memorial on Tower Green.

During restoration work in 1876, the supposed remains of Anne Boleyn were discovered in the chancel. These remains were reburied near the alter beneath a special memorial pavement. You can view this poignant memorial today, beautifully inscribed with the queens' names and coats of arms. Where the queens were actually buried within the Chapel remains a mystery.

Alongside the Queens, the Chapel is also the burial place of two Saints: the Bishop of Rochester, John Fisher and Henry VIII’s chief advisor, Thomas More. They were executed in 1535 for refusing to declare the King the Supreme Head of the Church. Again, however, we can’t be certain of their exact burial place.

Image: View of the Scaffold Site and Tower Green with the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula on the right hand side.

© Historic Royal Palaces

Chapel Royal highlights

When you enter the Chapel, don’t forgot to look up at the Tudor ceiling. It is said that it was built from Spanish Chestnut for Henry VIII’s first Queen, Katherine of Aragon, so she could find spiritual comfort under the trees of her homeland.

You can also see remnants of the Chapel's Catholic origins, such as the Piscina, a stone basin once used for washing sacred items, and the hagioscope, a small opening at eye level that allowed worshippers to view the altar.

These unique features, typically found only in Catholic churches and chapels, offer a rare glimpse into the Chapel’s rich and complex history.

Explore these fascinating details in this street view created in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

The Chapel Royal today

The Chapel has witnessed countless services, weddings and baptisms over the centuries. Today, the Chapel continues this tradition as an active parish church for the present-day Tower community.

Religious services at the Chapel Royal

The Chapel holds regular religious services throughout the year:

Sunday services

09:15 - Holy Communion.
11:00 - Matins (sung).
11:00 - Holy Communion (sung), normally on the last Sunday of the month.

Services are every Sunday, except during August and on the Sunday following Christmas and Easter.

Contact the Tower chaplain

Hours: 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday
Phone: 020 3166 6354
Email: info@hrp.org.uk

More information

Learn more about the worship, music and architecture of the Chapel Royal on the Chapel's website.

Visit the Chapel Royal website

Listen to the podcast

In this episode of the Historic Royal Palaces podcast, listen to Curator of Historic Buildings, Alfred Hawkins as he delves into the history of the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula.

More episodes