Situation and History

The Tower of London is situated in central London, on the north bank of the River Thames. The history of this tower dates back as early as 1078. The building of the tower was started by William the Conqueror in 1066. It's not only a palace and fortress, the Tower of London had also served as a prison for high status prisoners, armoury, execution and torture area, treasury, observatory, royal mint, zoo and more throughout its existence. It is a fortified building, which is famous all over the world.

The Ravens

It is not known when the ravens first came to the Tower of London, but their presence there is surrounded by myth and legend. According to tradition, the curious raven prophecy can be traced back to the “Merry Monarch”, Charles II (1660-1685). On 22 June 1675, the King established the Royal Observatory at the Tower of London, housed in the north-eastern turret of the White Tower. The Royal Astronomer, John Flamsteed (1646-1719), allegedly complained to the King that the birds were interfering with his celestial observations. Charles therefore ordered their demise – only to be forewarned by an obscure soothsayer that: “if the ravens left the Tower, the White Tower would collapse and a great disaster befall the Kingdom”. There are various similar versions of the legend, but all maintain that a horrible catastrophe would be visited upon the country if all the ravens quit the Tower. After hearing the warning, the King decreed that at least six ravens be kept at the Tower at all times to prevent such a calamity. Now the birds’ wings are routinely clipped so they cannot escape.

                                                          Ravens

Executions at the Tower of London

Executions of the Tower of London Prisoners - Tower Hill or Tower Green
The type of executions of the Tower of London prisoners depended on the severity of the crime and whether the prisoners were members of the higher or lower classes - most executions were conducted in public. The vast majority of Tower of London prisoners who were sentenced to death met their end in public on Tower Hill.  But private executions of Tower of London prisoners were conducted behind the walls of the Tower if the execution was considered too politically sensitive to carry out in open view - this especially applied to the executions of women. Even these 'private' executions on Tower Green were conducted in the full view of many important spectators, which often numbered up to two hundred. These important victims of such executions were usually hurriedly buried in the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula situated next to Tower Green.
                                                                                                    Traitor's Gate

Executions by Beheading or other methods

Executions by beheading were considered the least brutal of execution methods and were accorded to important State prisoners or people of noble birth. The usual implement used for beheading was the axe. On very rare occasions the sword was used, such as in the case of Anne Boleyn's execution. Killing the lower classes was usually achieved by hanging from the gallows. The more serious the crime the more severe the punishment. Burning to death at the stake or the barbaric method of slowly killing by inflicting unimaginable pain was by 'Hang, Draw and Quartering' - these methods of execution might be delivered to any class of victim.

Executions by Beheading

Death by beheading with the use of the axe could be a terrifying prospect. The executioners often took several blows before the head was finally severed. If the executioner' axe was sharp and his aim was true, beheading was quick and relatively painless. If the instrument was blunt, the axeman inexperienced or careless, then the execution might take several strokes to sever the head. This was certainly the case in the execution by beheading of the brave Countess of Salisbury who was struck eleven times with the axe before she died.

Executions by Beheading - the Traditions

Various traditions were observed at executions by beheading. A raised platform was built (scaffold) and covered with straw. A minister of the church would be available to offer religious comfort to the victim. The victim would be expected to pay and forgive the executioner. It would be hoped that the headsman completed  his job swiftly and with care. The condemned prisoner was usually given the opportunity to address the spectators-with the King's permission.                   The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

The heads of traitors were displayed on top of spikes on London Bridge.

                                                                           

Tower's Ghosts

The History of the Tower of London is both bloody and cruel. Which is why the Tower of London is considered to have the largest amount of ghosts in England. The Bloody Tower, Traitors Gate and the dungeon called the 'Little Ease' provide an indication of some of the events which may have taken place in the Tower of London and what has led to so many stories of ghosts and haunting.

Five of the seven famous people executed are reputed to haunt the Tower of London. All fit the perfect description and definition of ghosts. The five famous ghosts of people who were executed within the walls of the Tower of London were:

·         The Ghost of Anne Boleyn

·         The Ghost of the Countess of Salisbury

·         The Ghost of Catherine Howard

·         The Ghost of Jane Rochford

·         The Ghost of Lady Jane Grey

All died violently, traumatically and tragically. Other famous ghosts were prisoners in the Tower of London and who were subsequently executed  include:

·         The Ghost of Guy Fawkes

·         The Ghost of Sir Walter Raleigh

Other famous Tower of London ghosts include those who were murdered in the Tower. These murders are often mysterious but always violent, traumatic and tragic. These famous Tower of London ghosts who were murdered include:

·         The Ghost of Thomas Becket

·         The Ghost of King Henry VI

Witnesses at the Tower of London have also reported 'anonymous' ghosts. These Tower of London Ghosts are simply referred to as the 'Gray Lady' and the 'White Lady'. Names which reflected the appearance of the apparition.  The ghost of the ' Gray Lady' has been described as a woman in mourning garments. A black void is where her face should be. A phantom squad of ghost soldiers has also been sighted marching in the grounds of the Tower of London.

                                                   http://youtu.be/25s5uBj9uL8

References: 
www.forteantimes.com
www.castles.me.uk