Lieutenant of the Tower of London

There were formerly many privileges, immunities and perquisites attached to the office.

Like the Constable, the Lieutenant was usually appointed by letters patent, either for life or during the King's pleasure.

[1] The Lieutenants had custody of many eminent prisoners of state, including Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, Lady Jane Grey, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I) and Sir Walter Raleigh.

The earliest known Lieutenant was Giles de Oudenard at the beginning of the reign of Edward I, while Anthony Bek, later Bishop of Durham, was Constable.

The next recorded Lieutenant was Ralph Bavant, who served during John de Crumwell's tenure as Constable.