You are at the top of the page

Skip to content or footer

Start of main content

Tower Green & Scaffold site

Walk in the footsteps of those condemned to death by order of the state

Walk in the footsteps of those condemned to death by order of the state

Famous heads that rolled at the Tower

Execution inside the Tower was a privilege reserved for those of high rank, or for those who had dangerously strong popular support, to keep them away from the gawping crowds. Ten people were beheaded on Tower Green which stretches to the west of the White Tower.

The beheaded queens

The most well known among those executed on or near Tower Green were three former queens of England. Two of those queens were wives of Henry VIII.

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was in her early 30s and Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth wife, was barely in her 20s. Both were accused of adultery, but neither may have been guilty.

The third queen to meet her end within the Tower was 16-year-old Lady Jane Grey. She was on the throne for just nine days, and was the innocent pawn in a failed military coup by her father-in-law, the Duke of Northumberland.

Expert and blundering executions

Anne Boleyn was executed by the clean stroke of an expert swordsman shipped in from France especially for the occasion. On the day of her execution, she enquired, 'I heard say the executioner was very good, and I have a little neck.'

By contrast, Margaret Pole who was another victim of the axe was said to be much less lucky in her final moments. A blundering executioner was said to have ‘hacked her head and shoulders to pieces’.

The execution site memorial

Today, at the very site of these executions on Tower Green you can see a memorial sculpture and quote dedicated to those who were condemned to death by order of the state.

When

Open


Ticketing information


Included in palace admission (Members go free)

Buy Tower of London tickets

'Gentle visitor pause awhile: where you stand death cut away the light of many days: here jewelled names were broken from the vivid thread of life: may they rest in peace while we walk the generations around their strife and courage : under these restless skies.'

Brian Catling, creator of the execution site memorial.

Explore What's on

  • Things to see

White Tower

Marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Norman architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.

  • Open
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The Crown Jewels

Discover the dazzling history of the Crown Jewels in the spectacular Crown Jewels exhibition.

  • Open
  • Allow one hour
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more
  • Things to see

The ravens

Meet the famous ravens at the Tower of London and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower.

  • Open
  • Tower of London
  • Included in palace admission (Members go free)
Learn more

Browse more History and Stories

Anne Boleyn

How did Anne Boleyn become queen and why did Henry VIII execute her?

The story of the Tower of London

Iconic fortress, royal palace and infamous prison

Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot

Who was the real Guy Fawkes, the man behind the mask?

Shop online

Shop Tower of London gifts

Shop our products inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.

From £2.50

Shop HRP Books & Publications

Discover books inspired by the palaces in our care, learn about fascinating periods of British history, including our official palace guide books, children's books and more.

From £2.50

Shop Beefeater Gift Collection

Our collection of Yeoman Warder gifts includes beautiful homewares, Christmas tree decorations and gifts for children.

From £4.99