Tower Hill, Historical site in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, England
Tower Hill is a hill on the north bank of the Thames in the borough of Tower Hamlets that reaches a height of just under 50 feet (about 15 meters) and lies next to the Tower of London. At the summit there are public gardens with trees, paths and benches, while the surrounding area is marked by road traffic and historic buildings.
From the late 14th century to the mid 18th century the hill served as an execution site for about 120 people from the nobility and those accused of high treason. In the 20th century the area came under the management of a trust that created the green space and removed old structures.
The gardens at the site carry memorial plaques with names of those executed and show the importance of the spot as a public place of remembrance. Visitors can sit on benches and walk among flowerbeds while reflecting on the fates that ended here.
The hill can be reached through Tower Hill underground station and Tower Gateway station on the Docklands Light Railway, with several bus lines also running to the neighborhood. Those walking from the city center will need about ten minutes from Fenchurch Street.
Beneath the lawns lie foundations of medieval buildings and Roman walls that came to light during excavations and are today partly marked by visible indicators. The ground holds layers from different centuries that testify to the long settlement of the area.
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