I Was Executed on Tower Green

William Hastings -- Beheaded

Jun 13, 1483

Lord William Hastingsfought to secure the throne for Edward IV. He was appointed Lord Chamberlain in 1461. When King Edward died in 1483 he was a staunch and loyal supporter of King Edward's young son - Edward V. He was arrested on charges of treason by the dead King Edward IV's brother Richard. He was executed without trial.

Queen Anne Boleyn

May 19, 1536

Anne Boleynwas the second wife of King Henry VIII. He divorced his wife, Katherine of Aragon, broke with Rome and was excommunicated, for the love of this woman. Then lost interest, fell in love with Jane Seymour and had her arrested on the charges of treason, adultery and incest with her brother George Boleyn, Lord Rochford. The prospect of being beheaded terrified her so the king brought in a swordsman from France to do the deed.

Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury

May 27, 1541

Margaret Polemade the mistake of appearing to side with Katherine of Aragon against the king and he declared her a traitor. She was arrested and was badly treated and neglected as a prisoner in the Tower of London. She was not given a trial. She was dragged to the block, but refused to lay her head on the block. She was forced down and struggled. The inexperienced executioner made a gash in her shoulder rather than her neck. She was struck eleven times before she died.

Catherine Howard

Feb 13, 1542

Catherine Howardwas the fifth wife of King Henry VIII. She found him repulsive and had an affair with Thomas Culpepper, and several others. When Henry found out she was arrested for adultery. Her lovers were executed and she had to pass by their impaled heads on her way to Traitor's Gate. She was only 18 years old when she was executed.

Jane Boleyn

Feb 13, 1542

Jane Boleynwas instrumental in the arrest of her sister-in-law, Anne and her husband George Boleyn, providing damning evidence against them to Thomas Cromwell. Her sworn affidavit helped convict them of incest and treason. The allegations were completely false. She encouraged Catherine Howard to have an affair wth Thomas Culpepper. She was arrested and confessed to all her wrong-doings. She was beheaded right after Catherine.

Lady Jane Grey

Feb 12, 1554

Lady Jane Greyis known as the Nine Day Queen, a poor girl, used and victimized as a result of the ambitions of her parents and in-laws. She was beheaded along with her husband and father.

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex

Feb 25, 1601

Robert Devereuxwas a favorite of Elizabeth I, she made him Lord Lieutenant of Ireland - a post in which he failed dismally. His relationship with the Queen deteriorated and he attempted a political coup. He lead a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth and attempted to seize control of the City of London on February 8th 1601. He was arrested and convicted of treason.