The Hung, Drawn & Quartered: A Historic Pub Steeped in London's Dark Past
Historic Fuller’s pub near Tower Hill, blending refined British fare with a dark legacy of medieval executions and rich London heritage.
Located at 26-27 Great Tower Street near Tower Hill, The Hung, Drawn & Quartered is a historic Fuller’s pub named after the brutal medieval punishment for high treason. Housed in a Grade II listed former bank building, it offers a unique blend of refined pub classics and fine ales within a setting rich with stories of public executions that once took place nearby, including the infamous practice of hanging, drawing, and quartering.
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 during weekday afternoons for a quieter experience and to enjoy freshly prepared seasonal pub classics.
- Look for the plaque outside marking the site of the old execution scaffold in Trinity Gardens nearby.
- Try a mix of modern craft beers and traditional cask ales to get a full taste of the pub’s beverage offerings.
- The pub is dog-friendly and offers step-free access, making it welcoming for visitors with pets or mobility needs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the District or Circle line to Tower Hill station, approximately a 5-10 minute walk from the pub. The station is well connected with frequent services and step-free access, making it convenient for most travelers. A single journey fare costs around £2.50 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 15, 42, and 100, stop near Great Tower Street. Buses run frequently during the day, with journeys taking 15-25 minutes from central London locations. Use an Oyster or contactless card for fares around £1.75.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares between £10-£20. Note that parking near the pub is limited and the area is best accessed by public transport.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to the pub is a pleasant option, with routes through historic streets taking 10-20 minutes. The terrain is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
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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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Hung Drawn & Quartered, EC3
A Name Rooted in Grim History
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered pub derives its chilling name from one of England’s most severe historic punishments for high treason. This grisly method, dating back to the 12th century, involved dragging (drawing) the condemned to the execution site, hanging them until near death, followed by castration, disembowelment, beheading, and quartering. Though not all steps were always applied, the process was designed to be a public and humiliating deterrent. The pub stands close to the former execution grounds at Trinity Gardens near Tower Hill, where an estimated 125 people were executed, many prisoners from the Tower of London itself. A plaque visible from the pub marks the site of the ancient scaffold and commemorates those who perished there.Historic Building and Location
The pub occupies a Grade II listed building originally constructed as a bank in 1914. Before that, the site was part of Christ’s Hospital, a school founded in 1552 to educate poor children. This layered history adds to the pub’s character, blending architectural heritage with its dark thematic inspiration. Its proximity to the Tower of London and Tower Hill situates it in one of London’s most historically charged areas, where public executions and political intrigue shaped the city’s past.Atmosphere and Offerings
Today, The Hung, Drawn & Quartered offers a welcoming atmosphere with a focus on freshly prepared pub classics made from seasonal ingredients. The bar features a well-stocked selection of modern craft beers alongside traditional cask ales. The interior balances historic charm with modern comfort, including step-free access, baby changing facilities, and free Wi-Fi, making it suitable for families and dog-friendly visitors. The pub also caters to private events, from business meetings to celebrations, within its function rooms.Connections to Historical Figures
The pub’s exterior bears a quote from the famous diarist Samuel Pepys, who witnessed the execution of Major General Thomas Harrison in 1660. Harrison was one of those found guilty of regicide and was executed by hanging, drawing, and quartering—though not at this exact location. This connection to Pepys and the broader history of political executions in London deepens the pub’s narrative, linking visitors to the turbulent events of the English Civil War and Restoration.Legacy of Public Executions Nearby
While the Tower of London is often associated with beheadings of nobility, most executions, including those involving hanging, drawing, and quartering, took place at Tower Hill just outside the Tower’s walls. The area witnessed the deaths of notable figures such as Archbishop Simon Sudbury and Sir Thomas More. The public nature of these executions was intended as a stark warning against treason and rebellion, embedding the site with a somber historical significance that the pub’s name memorializes.A Unique Blend of History and Hospitality
The Hung, Drawn & Quartered stands as a rare example of a venue that embraces London’s darker history while providing a contemporary social space. Its evocative name and location invite reflection on the city’s past justice system, while its culinary and drink offerings ensure a comfortable and engaging experience. Whether drawn by history or hospitality, visitors find a compelling destination that connects them to centuries of London’s layered stories.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Trinity Square
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Trinity Square Gardens
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Tower of London Ice Rink
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Trinity House
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20 Fenchurch St
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The Garden at 120
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Sundial at the Tower Hill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Traders Gate
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Tower of London Shop
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The Royal Exchange
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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Petticoat Lane Market
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Borough Yards
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Relaxing
- 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
- Weekend Getaway
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
