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

The Bell Tower

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

1. The Bell Tower Marker

Inscription.
The curfew bell has rung from this tower for centuries; the current bell dates from 1651. The tower, and the wall next to it, were built during the reign of Richard I (1189-99) and once stood on the edge of the river. It is thought that Sir Thomas More was imprisoned here in 1534.

You can see the exposed plinth at the base of the Bell Tower, showing how tall the tower was before the Outer Ward was built around it. In later centuries, the only access to the Bell Tower was through the Lieutenant's Lodgings, making it a very secure prison. In 1534 the Catholic Bishop John Fisher and, probably, Sir Thomas More, were imprisoned here for refusing to acknowledge Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church of England.

( the text is also presented in ten additional languages)

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

Location. 51° 30.465′ N, 0° 4.648′ 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 inside the entrance to 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. The Byward Postern (a few steps from this marker); The Tower Wharf

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(within shouting distance of this marker); The Queen’s Stairs (within shouting distance of this marker); Saluting Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower of London foreshore (within shouting distance of this marker); Western entrance (within shouting distance of this marker); Coldharbour Gate tower and Innermost Ward wall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lost Palace (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 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Tower of London on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

2. The Bell Tower Marker

Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018

3. The Bell Tower Marker

<i>Tower of London The Bell Tower </i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By H.M. Office of Works, circa 1920

4. Tower of London The Bell Tower

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 247 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 4. submitted on May 17, 2018.