Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Coldharbour Gate tower and Innermost Ward wall

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

1. Coldharbour Gate tower and Innermost Ward wall Marker

Inscription.
The Coldharbour Gate foundations and this ruined wall are all that survive of the formidable late-1230s defences built by Henry III to protect his royal palace. Coldharbour was later used as a prison, though it wasn't escape-proof. Alice Tankerville, charged with piracy, broke out with help from a lovelorn Tower servant in 1533.

Coldharbour was defended by huge cylindrical turrets but was sadly demolished in the 17th century. The Inmost Ward wall had arrow loops which allowed archers to fire on any attackers who breached the Bloody Tower gate. The wall was concealed for centuries by later buildings until it was re-exposed in 1940 by Second World War bomb damage.

( the text is also presented in ten additional languages)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.

Location. 51° 30.475′ N, 0° 4.597′ W. Marker is in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Tower Hill and Trinity Square, on the left when traveling west. Located within the walls of the Tower of London. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tower Hamlets, England EC3N 4DJ, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. White Tower and the Two Princes (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lost Palace

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); A Royal River View (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron 24 pounder Guns (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron 36 pounder Guns (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bell Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Iron 32 pounder Gun (within shouting distance of this marker); The White Tower and Roman City Wall (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tower Hamlets.

Also see . . .
1. Tower of London. (Submitted on May 23, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Tower of London on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 23, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Coldharbour Gate Tower and Innermost Ward Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

2. Coldharbour Gate Tower and Innermost Ward Wall

A Tower of London Raven is on top of the wall.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 668 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 23, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.