St Katharine's & Wapping in Tower Hamlets in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Transforming the Tower of London Moat
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 11, 2026
1. Transforming the Tower of London Moat Marker
A Defensive Ditch
Wrapped around the Tower, the moat is a formidable defensive barrier and a symbol of power. Dug during the Middle Ages and originally filled with water, it has been a dry ditch since it was drained in the 1840s.
It has experienced many changes over its history. Now, Historic Royal Palaces is transforming this space into a biodiverse habitat to act for the future and make a positive impact on the planet.
Creating a Buzz
We are creating a new space in the heart of London that all our visitors can enjoy, including pollinators. As well as providing a vital green space for nature, it will also be a place to explore the military, sporty, and even smelly stories of the Tower of London.
A test wetland area in the eastern section of the moat will help us understand what will grow and how best to protect against future flooding and drought.
Support Historic Royal Palaces
Historic Royal Palaces is a registered charity that looks after six of the most wonderful palaces in the world, including the Tower of London. Unlike many UK museums, we generate all our own funds, relying on the generous support of donors, patrons,
this page online
Erected by Historic Royal Palaces.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Forts and Castles.
Location. 51° 30.562′ N, 0° 4.563′ W. Marker is in Tower Hamlets, England, in Greater London. It is in St Katharine's & Wapping. It can be reached from Tower Hill west of Tower Bridge Approach, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110-102 Tower Hill, Tower Hamlets, England EC3N 4SG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in London and in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tower Hill Medieval Postern (here, next to this marker); Tower Hill Passageway: Block and Axe
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, September 11, 2026
2. Transforming the Tower of London Moat Marker
The marker may be found above the dried moat. The Tower of London and the looming Shard may be seen in the distance.
Other markers no longer nearby. The Tower in flames (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Collapse at the Tower of London! (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); The Norman Tower of London (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 26, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
