The Hung, Drawn & Quartered: A Historic London Pub Near Tower Hill
Historic pub near Tower Hill, blending dark medieval history with refined ales and classic British fare in a Grade II listed building.
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered is a historic pub located at 26-27 Great Tower Street, London, near the Tower of London and Tower Hill execution site. Housed in a Grade II listed building, once a bank and part of Christ’s Hospital school, it offers a unique blend of refined pub classics, fine ales, and a dark historical atmosphere linked to the brutal medieval punishment of high treason. The pub’s evocative name recalls the grim executions that once took place nearby, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and pub lovers alike.
A brief summary to The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
- 26-27 Great Tower St, London, EC3R 5AQ, GB
- +442076266123
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit the memorial plaque at Trinity Gardens nearby to learn about the execution site linked to the pub’s name.
- Try the seasonal pub classics and sample traditional cask ales alongside modern craft beers.
- Enjoy the historic ambiance enhanced by the building’s Grade II listed architecture and evocative decor.
- Plan your visit during weekday evenings or weekends for a lively atmosphere with extended opening hours.
- Families and dogs are welcome, and the pub offers step-free access and baby-changing facilities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3 location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
A Name Steeped in Dark History
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered pub takes its name from one of England’s most severe medieval punishments reserved for high treason. This brutal method involved dragging the condemned from prison (drawing), hanging them until near death, followed by castration, disembowelment, beheading, and quartering. The gruesome practice, dating back to the 12th century, was intended as a public deterrent and continued in various forms into the 19th century. The pub’s name serves as a stark reminder of the area's grim past, situated close to where many such executions were carried out near Tower Hill.Historic Setting and Architecture
Located in a Grade II listed building on Great Tower Street, the pub occupies premises that were once a bank and before that part of Christ’s Hospital, a school founded in 1552 to educate poor children. The building’s historic fabric and architectural character blend with the pub’s evocative theme, creating an atmosphere that honors the location’s layered past. The proximity to the Tower of London and the execution site at Trinity Gardens, where an estimated 125 people were executed, adds a poignant historical resonance.Connection to London’s Execution Grounds
Just a short walk from the Tower of London, the pub stands near the former public execution ground of Tower Hill. While famous beheadings occurred inside the Tower, many executions, including those by hanging, drawing, and quartering, took place here. A memorial plaque in Trinity Gardens lists 29 individuals executed at the site, underscoring the area’s somber history. The pub’s external wall features a quote from Samuel Pepys’ diary describing the execution of Major General Thomas Harrison in 1660, providing a vivid human connection to the past.Dining and Atmosphere
Today, The Hung, Drawn & Quartered offers a refined menu of classic pub dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients alongside a well-stocked bar featuring modern craft beers and traditional cask ales. The pub welcomes families and dogs, providing accessibility features such as step-free access and baby-changing facilities. Its historic ambiance, combined with quality food and drink, makes it a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking both atmosphere and sustenance.Events and Private Functions
Beyond regular dining, the pub caters for private events including business meetings, weddings, and birthdays, with dedicated function rooms available. This versatility enhances its appeal as a social venue while maintaining its historic charm. The venue also offers free Wi-Fi and a welcoming environment for assistance dogs and families, blending heritage with modern hospitality.Legacy and Cultural Significance
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered stands as a unique cultural landmark that intertwines London’s rich and sometimes brutal history with contemporary pub culture. Its evocative name and location invite reflection on the city’s past justice system and the lives affected by it. The pub’s preservation of historical narratives through its name, architecture, and location near the execution site makes it a compelling destination for those interested in London’s darker heritage alongside a quality pub experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
