St John's Chapel, Tower of London

St. John's Chapel is a Romanesque chapel built within the White Tower featuring cylindrical columns, rounded arches, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Located on the second floor, the space measures approximately 17 meters long and 9.5 meters wide, with its original Norman stonework still visible throughout.

The chapel was initiated by William the Conqueror around 1080, making it London's oldest church building. Its Norman architecture has survived intact for nearly a thousand years, serving as a rare witness to early religious life in the city.

The chapel remains under direct sovereign authority and hosts services that visitors may occasionally witness during their visit. This special status keeps royal and religious tradition alive in the present day.

Access to the chapel is through the second floor of the White Tower during regular Tower of London opening hours. Plan your visit during main opening times, as some religious ceremonies may occasionally affect public access to the space.

A windowless embrasure in the southeastern crypt once served as a secure vault for royal treasures and medieval documents. This hidden feature reveals how security was ingeniously built into the earliest royal structures.

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Inception: 11 century

Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Part of: White Tower

Website: https://hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/whats-on/st-johns-chapel

GPS coordinates: 51.50750,-0.07639

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52