For centuries, the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula has been known as the final resting place of some of England’s most famous figures, including Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Sir Thomas More and John Fisher. Yet beyond these celebrated names lies another story: that of the soldiers, families, servants and residents who lived, worshipped and were buried within the walls of the Tower of London.

Drawing on the latest archaeological excavations carried out in 2019 and 2025, this talk reveals remarkable new discoveries from beneath the chapel. Through modern scientific analysis of the human remains, archaeologists are uncovering where these individuals came from, what they ate and how they lived, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the hidden community that called England’s most famous fortress home.

Tickets £12.50 including a 20% donation toward a host of restoration projects at Highgate Cemetery.

Alfred Hawkins
Alfred Hawkins has worked across the archaeology and heritage sectors as an archaeologist, researcher and historic buildings specialist. He is Curator of Historic Buildings at the Tower of London for Historic Royal Palaces, and Cathedral Archaeologist for Salisbury and Portsmouth Cathedrals. A specialist in the history, architecture and archaeology of the Tower of London, he has led and advised on major conservation projects, including “Superbloom” and “Beyond the Deepening Shadow”, and has appeared in documentaries including “Digging for Britain”, “Inside the Tower of London” and “Unearthed.”