The Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula

The historic Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula (St. Peter in Chains) is the oldest chapel royal in England. In this little chapel most of those who died on Tower Hill and six of the seven executed on Tower Green, were laid to rest under flagstones without ceremony. Site of Block Between the Chapel and Tower Green is a small paved area. A scaffold was erected here for the beheading of those whose public execution on Tower Hill might have incited the people to riot. The names of the six tragic figures who died on this fateful spot are inscribed on the board. They include three queens of England: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey. Elizabeth Ist supposed suitor, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex was also executed here.

Top: The Site of Block is demarcated in front of the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula. (Part of the Jewel House can be see to its right). [Greeley/Gilmore]

Bottom: A well-used block and axe. Although there can be found many cut-marks in the block, two are deepest -- the one used for practice, and the one used for actual execution.  [Both: R.Radliff]