Traitors' Gate

Historical landmark · Tower Hill

Traitors' Gate

Historical landmark · Tower Hill

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London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom

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Highlights

Historic Tower of London entrance for treason prisoners  

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London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom Get directions

hrp.org.uk

Information

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London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom Get directions

hrp.org.uk

Features

wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Aug 8, 2025

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@atlasobscura

8 Secrets of the Tower of London

"For centuries, British prisoners accused of treason had a special, particularly horrifying route by which they were taken into the Tower of London. Traitors’ Gate was originally called Water Gate, because that is what it was, a means for King Edward I and other royals to get into St. Thomas’s Tower by water. When the gate was built in the late 1270s, along the River Thames, the tower was a residence for the royal family. Over time, the Tower of London was more and more commonly used as a prison for those accused of treason against the crown, and those prisoners were brought to the tower by water. The first known use of the name “Traitors’ Gate” was in 1544. Such well-known figures as Sir Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth I (before she was queen) entered the tower through Traitors’ Gate. There is disagreement about whether Queen Anne Boleyn was brought through the gate when she was taken to the tower. The placement of the gate meant that prisoners often passed under London Bridge on their way to the tower. Until the late 17th century, the heads of prisoners who had been executed were displayed on pikes beneath the bridge, which must have been very unsettling for new prisoners. Over the centuries, hundreds of prisoners passed through the gate, many never to return alive. In the mid-19th century, the outer archway of the gate was bricked up because the water level had risen. It is clearly labeled for those looking from across the river." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/tower-of-london-hidden-secrets
View Postcard for Traitors' Gate

M Pak

Google
The only museum in London that charges admission and offers live ammunition guards! I was very impressed. You can study the history and traditions of the British royal family intensively. The storytelling that provides customized explanations for children was also touching. You can meet the original crowns with colorful jewels. I strongly recommend you to visit.

Angie O

Google
Built by Edward I for an entry into The Tower by the river Thames it was an easy access as the Royal accommodation was just above it. After it was used to bring the prisoners and the traitors in and the name it was used from 1543. On my visit there it was the return of the poppies.

Mohammed Masood

Google
Traitors’ Gate, originally constructed as the Water Gate by King Edward I in the late 13th century, served as a royal entrance from the River Thames into the Tower of London. Over time, it became infamous as the entry point for prisoners accused of treason, including notable figures like Sir Thomas More and Queen Anne Boleyn. Today, it stands as a poignant reminder of the Tower’s complex history, reflecting its roles as both royal residence and prison.

B Alv

Google
Very neat history and location all together! You can see the exterior of the gate after closing hours.

Hug Dealer

Google
The Traitors' Gate is an entrance through which many prisoners of the Tudors arrived at the tower of London. The gate was built by Edward I to provide a water gate entrance to the Tower, The tide comes in and out, too.

Connie Hanson

Google
The poppies were beautiful commerating the end of WW2 80 years ago.

Seokjin Ham

Google
It is a famous entrance located along the River Thames, historically used to bring prisoners accused of treason into the Tower of London via water transport. Originally built as part of St. Thomas's Tower, the gate was initially designed to safely transport royal goods via the river. However, during the Tudor era, it gained its infamous nickname as it became the primary entry point for nobles and political prisoners accused of treason, who were brought to the Tower by boat. One of the most notable figures to pass through the gate was Thomas More, who opposed Henry VIII's religious reforms and entered the Tower through this gate in 1535. Elizabeth I was also brought through the gate in 1554, following Wyatt’s Rebellion. There is some debate, however, as to whether Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, who was accused of treason and imprisoned in 1536, actually entered the Tower through this gate.

J Sk

Google
For centuries, British prisoners accused of treason faced a terrifying journey into the Tower of London through Traitors’ Gate. Originally known as Water Gate, it was built in the late 1270s along the River Thames, allowing King Edward I and other royals to enter St. Thomas’s Tower by water. At that time, the tower served as a royal residence. As the Tower of London transitioned into a prison, Traitors’ Gate became the entry point for prisoners accused of treason. The name “Traitors’ Gate” was first used in 1544. This gate witnessed the arrival of many notable figures, such as Sir Thomas More, Sir Walter Raleigh, and Queen Elizabeth I before she became queen. There is some debate about whether Queen Anne Boleyn was also brought through this gate. The gate’s location meant prisoners often passed under London Bridge on their way to the tower. Until the late 17th century, the heads of executed prisoners were displayed on pikes beneath the bridge, a gruesome sight for those being led to the tower. Hundreds of prisoners passed through Traitors’ Gate over the centuries, many never to return alive. In the mid-19th century, the outer archway of the gate was bricked up due to rising water levels, but it remains clearly labeled for those viewing it from across the river. Traitors’ Gate stands as a chilling reminder of the Tower of London’s dark history, its legacy etched in the stone walls that bore witness to the final journeys of many historical figures.
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Danielle H.

Yelp
Yelp, this place is not on your map and it should be. There is a brassiere on the map which is really this fine pub. It is not in the Tower of London, it is across the street. We ate here twice during our visit to London, once after a freezing day at the Tower, and after hopping off a city tour. The drinks were great. The food was excellent. My kid ate the fish n chips twice which was better than anything we even had in the states. I ate the meat pie one night and it was excellent. Next time I had the salad, which was also excellent. All full of flavor. For a pub next to a major tourist attraction it was a great find and had a mix of locals and weary tourists. I also really appreciated the variability with seating so one can find something cozy. Cheers to this pub- it was a gem.
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Jackie O.

Yelp
I was visiting London with my husband, and after taking the Thames River cruise, we stopped off at Traitor's Gate to get some food and drinks and get out of the hot sun. I don't know what the deal was with the bartender, but 3 of the 4 things we ordered were 86ed. When I finally found some things that were available, I thought we were all set. The place was really interesting and it was busy so it seemed like a great spot. We waited in over an hour for our food, just to be told they lost the ticket. I'm feeling a little bit like the bartender just never put in the order, but whatever it was, just not cool at all. If it weren't for Crispies nearby, we would have missed our boat ride back. I'm really hoping it was just my bad luck. Such a shame.
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Dee L.

Yelp
Lovely pub! Shared a cheese burger with husband. You order drinks and food at the bar and servers then bring your order to you! Different, eh

Finbar O.

Yelp
just left the place...waited 15 minutes wait staff walked by three or four times without acknowledging us? Awful waitstaff...avoid it if you can.
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Robert H.

Yelp
We stopped by here for a quick dinner and it was packed but we were able to get a set. You order up at the bar which is not a big deal as it is fairly common in pubs. The food was delicious and really enjoyed our meal. Later that Friday night after our show, we wanted to stop by for a quick drink. It was only like 10:00pm but they were closed down so we stopped elsewhere disappointed.
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Glenn A.

Yelp
A great place to stop for a few pints while sightseeing near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. We didn't order food but the Traitors Gate was an excellent pub just off the London Tower site
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Andy B.

Yelp
Located in Tower Hill across the street from the Tower of London Traitors Gate is centrally located to area attractions. This is a traditional London pub, not a tourist trap. Upon arrival we were greeted by friendly bar staff who directed us to find any table we wanted and order at the bar (this seems to be a tradition in local pubs). I ordered the fish and bitters. The service was fast and the fish and chips was excellent. They season the batter and cook it to perfection. Just the way I like it. Combined with good food, this place has a decent drink selection, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
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Erica C.

Yelp
4/3/23- near the Crown Jewels, small little area within the castle. Interesting history here
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Sam M.

Yelp
Good place to get food after sightseeing. Good beer options, veggie sandwiches, fish n chips. Ordering was a little odd... staff wasn't helpful but I like the decor, all the plants and great seating options.

Jami A.

Yelp
We had such a wonderful time at Traitor's Gate. Lydia and Grace, our waitresses, were just so wonderful and nice. They were so knowledgeable, as well, about London spots. Really appreciate all of their recommendations for the area and their prompt service!
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Kristina L.

Yelp
I may have a tourist mindset but I did enjoy the fish and chips here. Got the cod goujon sandwich and the fish and chips. The fry was pretty good, crisp and not "just batter". Fish was well cooked and the fries are plump. Not a soggy fry if you know what I mean. It's typical pub food, but mot bad if you are hungry near the Tower of London. It's self serve, in that you find a seat, and order at the bar. The ambiance was very cool and the service was friendly and pleasant. Would recommend
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Margie L.

Yelp
Nice stop for lunch with good food after touring Tower of London. Recommend the salmon
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Christiane G.

Yelp
Great ambience, extremely friendly staff and outstanding food. Must try their Fish and Chips and their handcrafted Steak and Ale Pie which is amazing. Well seasoned, perfectly golden brown and chips are delicious not to mention the pie was great. Highly recommend this restaurant.

Sofia P.

Yelp
This place is cute inside but hate the staff i would give them 0 stars is wasn't an option they need to hire nicer more caring staff

Hayan B.

Yelp
Very nice fish and chips and steak and ale pie. Not oily greasy or strange. Anyone would appreciate this menu after a tour of the tower

Bill B.

Yelp
So close to a tourist attraction, I had doubts. But loved the name, and the opportunity for fish n chips at a pub. Pleasantly surprised at the welcoming atmosphere and staff. Both food and brew were satisfying.

Lori J.

Yelp
Perfect. Be advise they stopped serving dinner at 730pm. Food was wonderful. Reasonable priced.
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Qype User (Templa…)

Yelp
This is the Rivers Thames entrance that many Tudor prisoners entered the Tower of London through by boat. It fills with the tides. The name Traitors' Gate has been used since the early seventeenth century (prior to which it was called simply the Water Gate), prisoners were brought by barge along the Thames, passing under London Bridge, where the heads of recently executed prisoners were displayed on pikes. Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, Queen Catherine Howard, and Anne Boleyn's daughter, Elizabeth I, all entered the Tower by Traitors' Gate. The gate was built by Edward I, to provide a water gate entrance to the Tower, part of St. Thomas's Tower, which was designed to provide additional accommodation for the royal family. In the pool behind Traitors' Gate was an engine that was used for raising water to a cistern on the roof of the White Tower. The engine worked originally by the force of the tide or by horsepower and eventually by steam. In 1724-6 it was adapted to drive machinery for boring gun barrels. It was removed in the 1860s. According to legend when, to be Queen Elizabeth 1st, Princess Elizabeth arrived on Palm Sunday 1554 she refused at first to land at the gate, angrily proclaiming that she was no traitor. A sharp shower of rain however, caused her to change her mind. Later when as Queen she visited the Tower she insisted on passing through Traitors Gate.she is supposed to have told the Constable what was good enough for Elizabeth the Princess was good enough for Elizabeth the Queen.