Constable of the Tower
The office of Constable of the Tower dates back to within a few years of the Norman Conquest in 1066. Geoffrey de Mandeville became the first holder of this ancient post, appointed by William the Conqueror during the 11th century. In medieval times, a constable served as the person in charge of a castle when the owner was absent from residence. This role held unique importance because the Tower stood as the principal fortress defending the capital city of England. The position has always been one of great honour and dignity throughout its long history. Formerly, the appointment was held by eminent prelates of the Church, prominent politicians, and distinguished soldiers. Today the role remains ceremonial, mainly involving participation in traditional ceremonies within the Tower perimeter. The current Constable serves as a trustee for both Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Armouries.
During the medieval period, the Constable ran the entire Tower complex including building maintenance and soldiers' pay. He supervised the Keeper of the King's Animals since the royal menagerie resided within the Tower walls. The first known prisoner held there was the Norman bishop Ranulf Flambard in 1100. The Constable bore ultimate responsibility for all prisoners kept at the site with severe consequences for failure. Official instructions stated he must guard them securely body for body or face forfeiture of life and limb. Until the expulsion of the Jews in 1290, the office holder regulated and protected London's Jewish community. Eleanor de Clare became the only female Constable of the Tower as of 2026 before surrendering the Tower during the London Uprising. Ronnie and Reggie Kray served as the last official prisoners for a few days in 1952 while refusing National Service.
In the Middle Ages this position generated significant profit through various entitlements collected by the office holder. Any horses, oxen, pigs, or sheep that fell off London Bridge belonged to the Constable. All herbage growing on Tower Hill also formed part of his annual income. Each boat fishing between the Tower and the sea paid six shillings and eight pence annually. Ships carrying herring to London contributed one shilling per year to the Constable's coffers. Two pence came from each pilgrim arriving by sea to worship at the shrine of St James. All swans swimming under London Bridge were claimed by the office holder. Every ship mooring at Tower Wharf had to give a portion of its cargo including oysters, mussels, cockles, rushes, and wine. The tradition continues today through the Royal Navy's annual Ceremony of the Constable's Dues where one large vessel presents the Constable with a barrel of rum.
Since 1784 the tradition has been for the Constable to be a senior military officer rather than a nobleman. Lord George Lennox became the first field marshal appointed in March 12th of 1784 after centuries of aristocratic holders. Perhaps the most famous Constable was Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington who served from the 29th of January 1827 until the 14th of September 1852. During his tenure the royal menagerie and record office were removed while many buildings returned to their medieval state. The moat was drained and converted into a parade ground during Wellington's long service. Yeomen Warders could no longer buy and sell their places but were drawn only from sergeants in the Army. Tourism at the Tower increased significantly during his Constableship despite his personal displeasure about the change. Each modern Constable is now appointed for five years following the introduction of this term structure in 1932.
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington held the position from 1827 until 1852 with a particularly long service period. Stapleton Cotton, 1st Viscount Combermere followed him serving from the 20th of October 1852 until the 21st of February 1865. Sir John Burgoyne, Baronet held office from the 12th of April 1865 until the 7th of October 1871 before dying in office. Sir George Pollock, 1st Baronet served briefly from the 20th of November 1871 until the 6th of October 1872. Charles Cornwallis, 2nd Earl Cornwallis held the post twice between 1770 and 1805 including a second term starting the 26th of November 1784. The last official prisoner Ronnie Kray was sent to the Tower as barracks of the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers during 1952. James Fienes, Lord Say was murdered by Jack Cade's mob on the 4th of July 1450 while holding the office.
The five-year term of office was introduced in 1932 after two centuries where positions were typically held for life. Some holders resigned before their natural death but most served until they died in office. The Constable appointed in 2022 is General Sir Gordon Messenger who currently holds the position. His ceremonial deputy is Lieutenant General Sir George Norton serving as Lieutenant of the Tower of London. This office generally goes to a general officer of lower rank than the Constable himself. At the conclusion of installation ceremonies the Lord Chamberlain symbolically hands over the King's House to the Constable. He then entrusts it to the Resident Governor responsible for day-to-day running of the Tower. On state occasions the Constable has custody of the crown and other royal jewels. The new Constable receives keys as a symbol of office upon taking up his duties.
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Common questions
Who was the first Constable of the Tower appointed by William the Conqueror?
Geoffrey de Mandeville became the first holder of this ancient post, appointed by William the Conqueror during the 11th century. The office dates back to within a few years of the Norman Conquest in 1066.
When did Arthur Wellesley serve as Constable of the Tower and what changes occurred then?
Arthur Wellesley served from the 29th of January 1827 until the 14th of September 1852. During his tenure the moat was drained and converted into a parade ground while tourism increased significantly despite his personal displeasure about the change.
What specific rights generated profit for the Constable of the Tower historically?
The office holder claimed all swans swimming under London Bridge and collected six shillings and eight pence annually from each boat fishing between the Tower and the sea. Any horses or sheep falling off London Bridge also belonged to the Constable along with herbage growing on Tower Hill.
Who is the current Constable of the Tower appointed in 2022?
General Sir Gordon Messenger holds the position as the Constable appointed in 2022. His ceremonial deputy is Lieutenant General Sir George Norton serving as Lieutenant of the Tower of London.
How long does a modern Constable of the Tower serve before reappointment?
Each modern Constable is now appointed for five years following the introduction of this term structure in 1932. Before 1932 positions were typically held for life with most holders serving until they died in office.