Throughout 2004 the Tower of London will be exploring the theme of Imprisonment at the Tower. A special, new exhibition to be held from April to September will reveal the individual stories of various prisoners at the Tower through possessions, artefacts, art, manuscripts and interactive displays. In addition, many areas within the Tower will be re-presented to focus on the prisoners who were kept within them, which will include opening up new areas for visitors to explore, and through interactive costumed events visitors can experience first hand what it was like to be a prisoner in the most notorious fortress in the land�. As always, all these events are included in the normal admission price.

**ADVANCE TICKETS FOR THE TOWER - CALL + 44 (0) 870 756 7070**

FEBRUARY CORONATION OF JAMES I Feburary half-term Join in as costumed guides re-create the royal pomp and pageantry of the celebrations as the first Stuart monarch, James VI of Scotland and I of England, arrives at the Tower of London to celebrate his Coronation, as had been royal tradition for centuries. Spectacularly attired, the King and his entourage of courtiers, musicians and banner-holders will approach and enter the mighty fortress on the Thames. Become embroiled in the intrigue and plots of the court as courtiers compete to seek an audience with the new King and vie to ingratiate themselves with the monarch. This colourful event will take place four times each day. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

EASTER PRISONER PRINCESS - ELIZABETH IN THE TOWER Easter Week

It�s 1554 � the young and vulnerable Princess Elizabeth is sent to the infamous Tower by Queen Mary, her half-sister, to keep her under watch as support in England grows for Elizabeth to become Queen. Mary has already had Lady Jane Grey executed as a traitor to the Crown � now what will happen to Elizabeth, imprisoned within the thick walls of the infamous Tower of London? Make sure you keep your head as the dramatic events of turbulent 1554 unfold before you and join costumed guides around the Tower grounds as they re-enact key moments in this young woman�s extraordinary life. Elizabeth�s story will be relayed four times each day. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

APRIL **PRISONERS OF THE TOWER: 1100 - 1945 New exhibition opens** OPEN FROM 28 APRIL to 4 SEPTEMBER

The infamous Tower of London has been used as a state prison for most of the thousand years of its history. Famous prisoners have included Anne Boleyn, Princess Elizabeth, Lady Jane Grey, Walter Ralegh, Guy Fawkes and Rudolf Hess, but the exhibition will also tell the stories of lesser known prisoners: from the very first in 1100, who also became the first prisoner to escape, to the 20th-century German prisoners-of-war. The exhibition will show that the history of the Tower as a prison is not only a tale of torture, murder and execution, but also one of banquets, great works of literature, pregnancy and well-appointed accommodation. It will help to explode the Victorian myth of dripping dungeons, and in particular how most 'prisoners of state' were kept in relative luxury. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

MAY BECOME A PRISONER OF THE TOWER! May Day Bank Holiday For the first time ever, day visitors to the Tower of London will be able to experience at first hand what it was like to enter the imposing walls of this fortress on the Thames as a prisoner of the State. Join such illustrious company as Sir Walter Ralegh, Princess Elizabeth, Queen Anne Boleyn and St. Thomas More as you feel the chill of the walls and hear the thick doors slam shut behind you�. A fantastic opportunity to live the history of one of the most infamous State Prisons in the world. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

ATTACK THE TOWER! Late May Bank Holiday

What better event to take advantage of springtime boisterous energy than the storming of one of the most famous castles in Britain! This costumed event re-creates the events of 1471 when Lord Fauconberg stormed the Tower with the aim of releasing the imprisoned Henry VI. The fate of the Kingdom hangs in the balance and it�s up to you to learn how to slam the huge battering ram into the gates and hurl [fake!] rocks and abuse from the Battlements! This hugely popular and very loud event will take place three times each day. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

JULY CRAFT FAIR AT THE TOWER 17 July - 1 August

For centuries the residents of the Tower would have bought their provisions from local traders who wheeled their carts and stalls into the Tower itself to display their wares. In summer 2004, visitors will be able to experience the hussle and bustle of the market at the Tower: stalls will be selling all kinds of fresh goods; craftsmen will be hard at work; and musicians and players will be entertaining the crowds. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

AUGUST (Summer Holiday events) MURDER MYSTERY AT THE BLOODY TOWER. Weekends 7-30 August

What happened to the Princes in the Tower, last seen in 1483? Who had the motive, the means and the opportunity to murder young King Edward V and his brother Richard Duke of York and Norfolk? Now is your chance to play detective, interview the prime suspects, inspect the crime scene and search for clues. Visitors get to cast their votes and name the guilty party! IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

OCTOBER ESCAPE FROM THE TOWER! October half term

You arrived with the Princess Elizabeth as a prisoner here at Easter, now follow the exploits of famous escapees from the Tower across the centuries and those who tried but failed. Help outwit the Gaoler and search for the vital equipment: disguises, coins, knotted bedsheets and copious amounts of wine � all necessary to break out of one of the most secure locations in the land! IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

CHRISTMAS NORMAN CHRISTMAS 27 December to 2 January tbc What would Christmas have been like in Norman times? For the first time visitors can journey back to 1099 and join Norman King William Rufus and his court as they celebrate this ancient festival within William�s new, impressive fortress on the banks of the Thames. The court feast, drink and entertain themselves throughout the seven days. IMAGES AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

YEAR ROUND DATES FOR POMP AND PAGEANTRY The Tower is well known for its traditional ceremonies and there are a number of parades, salutes and rituals which celebrate the ancient customs of this fortified palace in the heart of the City of London and are great fun for those visiting on the days marked below.

1300h 6 February 62 Gun Salute � Anniversary of Accession of Queen Elizabeth II 1300h 21 April 62 Gun Salute � HM The Queen�s Birthday 1300h 2 June 62 Gun Salute � Anniversary of Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 1300h 10 June 62 Gun Salute � HRH Prince Philip�s birthday 1300h 14 June 62 Gun Salute � HM The Queen�s Official birthday Time and date tbc 41 Gun Salute � State opening of Parliament

State Parades in Ceremonial Uniform in 2004 The official escort of the Governor and Padre to the special church services during the year. All take place on Tower Green between Queen's House and the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. The exact dates for the Easter and Whitsun Parades are to be confirmed. PICTURES FOR THE STATE PARADE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESS OFFICE

All tour times are approximate and visitors are advised to check details in the daily programme available free at the entrance to the Tower.

NOTES TO EDITORS: HM Tower of London is part of Historic Royal Palaces, a registered charity. Registered office is Hampton Court Palace, Surrey, KT8 9AU

� Opening Hours 1 March � 31 October Opening Times Last Admission Monday � Saturday 09:00 17:00 Sunday 10:00 17:00

1 November � 28 February Opening Times Last Admission Tuesday � Saturday 09:00 16:00 Sunday & Monday 10:00 16:00

The Tower is closed 24 �26 December and 1 January. Admission Prices Adults �13.50 Students/Seniors �10.50 Child �9.00 Under 5s Free Family ticket (up to 2 adults and 3 children) �37.50

For recorded information about visiting the Tower of London please call 0870 756 6060. Alternatively, visit our official website at www.hrp.org.uk