Hidden spaces of the Tower of London
Open for bidding: 18 - 28 May
Come and explore the secret spaces of the most famous castle in the world. It has a history spanning almost 1,000 years and innumerable stories to tell. The Tower’s stories range from the tragic executions of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, to the miraculous escapes of Bishop Flambard and Earl Nithsdale (the latter in women’s clothing!) and the colourful stories of the royal menagerie that was kept here for over 500 years.
In the Bell Tower you’ll hear of the tragic incarceration of Thomas More, who languished there before his execution on the orders of Henry VIII. The young Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) was also imprisoned in the Bell Tower by her sister Mary I. To hear about more recent prisoners, you’ll be taken up to the turrets of the Waterloo barracks where notorious London gangsters the Kray twins spent a night in the cells.
Your guide will also take you into some of the secret spaces of the mighty White Tower, the centre of the fortress. You’ll look down on the beautiful chapel of St John the Evangelist from above and take in the spectacular views from the roof.
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(you will be taken to the TopLots official website)
Personal tour of the Crown Jewels
Open for bidding: 18 - 28 May
The Crown Jewels, the greatest working collection of coronation regalia in the world, are priceless symbols of British monarchy. They have been kept at the Tower of London since at least the 17th century and they continue to be kept safe here, under armed guard.
The lucky bidder will be dazzled by the 23,578 gems that make up the Crown Jewels, including the massive Cullinan I and notorious Koh-i-Noor diamonds. Gaze at the Imperial State Crown which alone has 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires 11 emeralds and 5 rubies.
On this personal tour, you will hear about the part each individual item plays in the spectacle of the Coronation and the fascinating stories about how Koh-i-Noor and other famous stones became part of the Crown Jewels. Your guide will also share with you the fascinating stories about the Crown Jewels, not least the true story of how Colonel Blood’s audacious attempt to steal them!
After the tour, you will be able to spend the rest of your day exploring all that the Tower of London has to offer.
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(you will be taken to the TopLots official website)
Attack the Tower of London with Dan Snow
Open for bidding: 4 - 14 June
You with Dan Snow (Battlefield Britain) will prepare and fire newly-created replicas of two medieval siege engines: the springald (which fires a giant arrow) and the perrier (a huge catapult). These full size replicas form the centrepiece of ‘Fortress’; new displays at the Tower of London including a garrison of metalwork soldiers and events from July 2008 exploring the story of the Tower as the country’s premier fortress. As a secure stronghold, it became the ideal location for a state prison, site of execution, armoury, treasury, Royal Zoo and Royal Mint. Almost uniquely, the Tower of London continues to be garrisoned and warded to this day. After your time in the moat, you will be free to explore all that the Tower has to offer including the Crown Jewels, a Beefeater Tour, graffito by past prisoners on the Tower’s walls and the legendary ravens.
The Tower of London, founded by William the Conqueror in 1066-7, is one of the world’s most famous fortresses, and one of Britain’s most visited historic sites. Despite a grim reputation for a place of torture and death, there are so many more stories to be told about the Tower. This powerful and enduring symbol of the Norman Conquest has been enjoyed as a royal palace, served as an armoury and for a few years in the 1830s even housed a zoo! An intriguing cast of characters have played their part: including the dastardly jewel-thief Colonel Blood, tragic Lady Jane Grey and maverick zoo keeper Albert Cops.
Click here for further information and to bid >
(you will be taken to the TopLots official website)