I Live in the Tower of London… I Love It But There’s a Spooky Downside

Living in a historic castle is often a perk reserved for royalty, but not always. Take Megan Clawson, for instance, a 23-year-old author and Beefeater’s daughter who has called the Tower of London her home for the past three years. Megan moved there as a student in 2021 to save money during lockdown and for company after finding it difficult living in university accommodation. She describes living in the 945-year-old fortress as “an experience that money can’t buy” because dwellings are typically reserved for Beefeaters, The King’s Guard, and their families, who pay rent and council tax.

A Community Within the Castle Grounds

Megan lives among a community of around 100 people within the castle grounds, but sometimes, its grisly past can be felt within its historic walls. Tour company London Walks claims 11 ghouls stalk the corridors, including Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded there in 1536, Guy Fawkes, and even the spirit of a bear. Megan admits that she has never seen or heard any floaty people without heads or anything like that, but most of the residents have heard or felt things. Megan tells The Sun:

“There’s definitely an odd feeling around the Tower, and at times, it’s really creepy, you’re not sure if something’s going to jump out at you.”

Megan admits she regularly dismisses weird noises so that she can sleep, but, at times, it can be very spooky.

A Tower That’s “Very Normal”

Megan’s dad’s home, located in the outer wall, has three bedrooms, but there’s an array of housing set-ups that can surprise visitors.

“Somebody asked me the other day if it was on Airbnb, which I found so funny that I couldn’t bring myself to write a response, and I often get asked about how much it is to rent. You could turn up with millions or billions of pounds and couldn’t buy a house in the Tower of London; that’s what makes it so special.”

Megan adds that their home is “very normal,” not “dark and dingy” like a dungeon. According to her, it has magnolia walls, classic military accommodation decoration, carpets, electricity, and all the “normal things.” She says that visitors expect it to be extravagant, and when she tells them it’s not, some feel disappointed, while others think it must be really cold and awful. Megan has to remind them that she doesn’t live in a dungeon.

Challenge of Nosy Visitors

While some are jealous of Megan’s surroundings, living there comes with its challenges, namely, the estimated three million tourists who visit every year. Curious visitors snap photos of Megan and her home regularly without her permission.

“People can see directly into my bedroom, so I’ve got used to hiding from tourists and trying to avoid them spotting me in my pyjamas. They also find it funny seeing jeans hanging out to dry on a washing line in a medieval castle so they take pictures of them too. Some people shout and try to get my attention when they see my balcony door, and I can hear them talking because the area is a sound trap. Some people have suggested that I dress up as a medieval ghost to scare everyone, but I’ve not done it yet.”

When it comes to warning off unwelcome intruders, supernatural or otherwise, Megan is lucky to have her Beefeater dad and her King’s Guard boyfriend, George. The couple met on Tinder in 2018, and when he’s not living away at a military camp, he stays with Megan.

Conclusion

Living in the Tower of London is an experience that few get to have, and Megan Clawson is among the lucky few. However, despite its historical grandeur, living in a 945-year-old fortress comes with its own unique set of challenges, including the occasional spooky feeling and dealing with nosy visitors. Nevertheless, she loves every moment of it.

Related Facts

• The Tower of London was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.
• The Tower of London has served various purposes throughout history, from a royal palace to a prison and a place of execution.
• The Beefeaters’ official title is Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London.
• It is believed that during World War II, the Crown Jewels were moved from the Tower of London to Windsor Castle for safekeeping.

Key Takeaway

Living in the Tower of London is not just an experience that money can’t buy, but it’s also one that comes with a spooky side. Despite nosy visitors, Megan Clawson cherishes every moment of her time there.