Betrayal hangs heavy in the air here at Traitor’s Gate. For centuries, this water entrance to the Tower of London has been a chilling symbol. It marked the final journey for those accused of treason against the British crown.
Originally named Water Gate, it was built in the late 1270s for King Edward I. He wanted a river entrance to St. Thomas’s Tower. Back then, the Tower of London was a royal residence. Master James of St George designed the gate.
But over time, the Tower became a prison. It was used increasingly for enemies of the state. This gate became known as Traitor’s Gate. The first recorded use of that ominous name was in 1544.
Imagine the scene. Prisoners were transported by barge along the River Thames. They passed under London Bridge. Until the late 17th century, the heads of executed prisoners were displayed on pikes beneath the bridge. What a terrifying sight for those entering Traitor’s Gate.
Many famous figures passed through this gate. Sir Thomas More, accused of treason, certainly did. Sir Walter Raleigh and even Queen Elizabeth I, before she was queen, entered this way.
There’s some debate about Anne Boleyn. Some say she was brought through Traitor’s Gate. What we do know is that in Tudor times, many prominent political prisoners entered here. Edward Duke of Buckingham, Queen Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey all came through this gate.
Let’s focus on Anne Boleyn’s story. She was arrested on charges of treason, adultery and incest. Her brother, George Boleyn, Lord Rochford, was also accused. Both were brought to the Tower through Traitor’s Gate. On May 2 1536, Anne herself arrived by barge from Greenwich. William Kingston, Constable of the Tower, met her at the top of the steps. Anne asked if she was going to a dungeon. Kingston reassured her that she would have her old chambers. Anne was terrified and swung between hysterical laughter and uncontrollable weeping. She was executed on Tower Green on May 19 1536.
Princess Elizabeth, later Queen Elizabeth I, also faced this dreadful entrance. Her half-sister, Queen Mary, believed Elizabeth was involved in the Wyatt Rebellion. Elizabeth was brought to the Tower on Palm Sunday 1554. She feared she would never leave. She even refused to disembark at first proclaiming her innocence. A downpour forced her inside.
Centuries of prisoners passed through Traitor’s Gate. Many never left alive. In the mid-19th century, the outer archway was bricked up. The water level had risen too high.
From across the river, you can still see the blocked arch. It is a stark reminder of the gate’s grim history. If you take a full tour of the Tower of London, you get a better view of Traitor’s Gate. Take your time here. Reflect on the lives and fates of those who passed through this gate. Their stories echo through the stones. They remind us of the price of power.