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
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 and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1651.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 51° 30.465′ N, 0° 4.648′ W. Marker was in Tower Hamlets, England,
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in London and in the Greater South East. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Guarding the Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); The Tower Wharf (within shouting distance of this marker); St Thomas's Tower (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); Traitors' Gate (within shouting distance of this
Photographed by Michael Herrick, April 27, 2018
2. The Bell Tower Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Byward Postern (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
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
3. The Bell Tower Marker
Photographed by H.M. Office of Works, circa 1920
4. Tower of London The Bell Tower
Credits. This page was last revised on September 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 27 times this year. Last updated on September 26, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 15, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 4. submitted on May 17, 2018. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of non-English text. • Can you help?
