Books on Prisoners of the Bloody Tower | Intriguing tales of Prisoners of the Bloody Tower
About the Bloody Tower at Tower of London
Built in the early 1220s as access gateway to the Thames, the Bloody Tower was originally known as the Garden Tower because it was next to the Constable’s garden. The Tower was not intended to be a prison but it became home to a number of prisoners, notably Sir Walter Raleigh and the two princes. The tower gained its reputation in the 16th century as the Bloody Tower when the notorious murders of the princes, Edward V and Richard Duke of York that supposedly took place within the walls of the tower were discovered. To learn more about the Bloody Tower, navigate to The Bloody Tower at the Tower of London, while on this page, there are carefully selected and recommended reading items – books on the prisoners of the Bloody Tower should you wish to delve deeper into learning more about the famous prisoners that resided here, Sir Walter Raleigh and the royal princes.
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Sir Walter Raleigh

Walter Raleigh (also spelled as Ralegh) was an English gentleman, writer, poet, adventurer, politician, courtier and a soldier who introduced ‘potato’ to the English dinner tables. A charming nobleman, he was one of the most famous explorers during the reign of Elizabeth I. He pioneered the colonisation of North America and helped defend England against the Spainish Armada. Raleigh was rewarded handsomely by the Queen and received his knighthood in 1585.
When Queen Elizabeth I died, James I succeeded to the throne in 1603 who imprisoned Raleigh at the Tower of London. While confined to the walls of the Tower, he wrote ‘History of the World‘. In 1616, Raleigh was released to head an expedition to South America, during which his men attacked a Spanish settlement. He was forced to abandon his mission. Upon his return, he was imprisoned at the Bloody Tower to appease the Spaniards until his beheading in 1618.
Suggested reading: Bloody Tower at the Tower of London
Below is a selection of books, some written by Walter Raleigh himself which are available as reprints and some books written about him. Enjoy perusing each of the carefully selected books to learn more of this infamous adventurer. You can purchase them as Paperback, Hardcover or instant download on Kindle.
Books on Sir Walter Raleigh
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The Princes – Edward V and Richard Duke of York
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The two princes, Edward and his younger brother, Richard mysteriously disappeared in 1483 from the Bloody Tower. The princes, sons of Edward IV were brought to the Tower by their uncle and Lord Protector, Duke of Gloucester for their ‘own protection’. Duke of Gloucester later became King Richard III. The princes were never seen alive again.
Below is a list of books written on the mysterious disappearance and the sinister plot that may have transpired during this fifteen century era. There are various opinions as to who was responsible for their disappearance and/or murder. This mystery remains unsolved till today.
Books on the Missing Princes at the Tower
Click on the images to view synopsis and Buy on Amazon
What do you think of the selection above? Have you read any of these books? I sincerely hope that the selection is valuable to you in knowing more about British History and in particular about the Tower of London. Do share your thoughts in comments below. The following related articles may also be of value to you in planning your visit to the Tower of London.
Tower of London-The Best Guide to What you need to know
View of Tower Bridge from the grounds of Tower of… Continue reading Tower of London-The Best Guide to What you need to know

The Bloody Tower at Tower of London
The Bloody Tower at Tower of London is one of… Continue reading The Bloody Tower at Tower of London

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Thank you! I love to read and I hope to get through all of these soon but just wanted to share this selection with everyone.
Good selection of reads prior to a visit to this fascinating place your other blog brilliantly unpacks.
Thank you, Georgina☺ Many Sweet Blessings to you in this new year…and yes…I will mark your post to keep the list of books 😉
So glad to hear from you, Lorrie in this new year that appears somewhat promising. I have missed reading your articles which I must get to soon. Thank you so much for your comment which I value and hope that, time permitting you might get hold of one of the books to learn more of British history. My sincere wish and lots of hugs coming your way for 2021 to be the best yet for you Stay safe xx
Hi Georgina! I’m embarrassed to say that I did not read any of those books…but most probably saw a bit of this history in a show I binged on Netflix!!
Sending you all good wishes for this new year 2021. I hope that you and your family are well and this new year offers love and light!