Inside The Tower Of London | Series 9 Preview (5)

The ninth series of Inside the Tower of London delves deep into the fortress’s hidden past to reveal brand new stories never before seen on TV. Chief Historian Tracy Borman uncovers dramatic new evidence about the Tower’s role as a Tudor spy HQ and, with incredible access to the legendary Mary Rose, we discover the fortress’s surprising connection with Henry VIII’s favourite warship.

Curator Kate Clements uncovers the human side of Tower history when she meets the granddaughter of the last person to be executed here, and the archaeology team make a once-in-a-lifetime discovery at the Tower.

There’s a shakeup of the Beefeater ranks when a new Chief and Gaoler are chosen and AJ Clarke makes history when she becomes the first female Yeoman Sergeant. We go behind the scenes as the Yeoman Warders take part in some of the biggest events in the capital’s calendar, and when the Tower closes its doors for a rare 48-hour lock-down, we witness the tireless work needed to keep this ancient fortress alive.

In the first edition, it’s summer 2025 and the Tower is packed with visitors looking for their fix of royals, ravens, and ruffs. The fortress is perhaps most famous for the grisly events that happened there - in particular the executions. Three Queens of England - Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey - were brutally beheaded within its walls.

But what really happened behind closed doors at those supposedly ‘private’ executions? Chief Historian Tracy Borman and Curator Kate Clements uncover the shocking truth and reveal what it was like to be the executioner himself. Despite the Tower’s fearsome reputation, most high-status executions happened outside the Tower.

Tracy and Kate discover how public beheadings were like spectator sports, complete with refreshments and souvenirs, and delve into the very worst method of execution - the traitors' death of being hung, drawn and quartered. It’s a story that is not for the faint hearted!

Meanwhile, there are big changes at the Tower. After two years at the helm, Chief Yeoman Warder Rob Fuller and his right-hand man Gaoler Clive Towell announce that they both plan to retire. It’s the first time in years that both top jobs will become vacant at the same time.

Now the Tower’s top brass, Governor Andrew Jackson and Operations Manager Dan Hawkins, have their work cut out finding replacements to lead the Beefeaters. Step forward Yeoman Warder Paul Langley and Sergeant John Donnell. After a rigorous selection process, Paul – who served 35 years in the RAF Regiment - gets the top job, and John – known as JD – takes on the role of Gaoler.

Rob has seen it all during his time at the Tower - from the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee to King’s Coronation and even his own daughter’s wedding. But now it’s time to bid the palace he’s called home for 14 years farewell. But before he does, there’s just time to hand over the ceremonial baton of office to his successor Paul.

And after just a few months in the job, the 423rd Yeoman Warder, Ryan Brown, gets his hands on his first pair of Tudor Reds – the Beefeaters formal uniform for state occasions. But his uniform isn’t new. All Beefeater uniforms are re-used - and Ryan’s will need some alterations to make it fit for duty.

Inside The Tower Of London returns Wednesday 20th May at 8pm on 5.