Introduction

Documentary going behind the scenes at the Tower of London and exploring its 900 years of history.

Outline

It is April 2022 at the Tower and only five weeks to go until Superbloom, the Tower’s transformation of its historic moat into a vast floral installation to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, is due to open to the public.

But one of the UK’s driest springs has wreaked havoc on the 20 million flower seeds sown in the moat for the display – the ones that have germinated are weeks behind and large areas are still completely bare. Professor Nigel Dunnet, the horticultural expert in charge of Superbloom’s planting scheme, has been watering for weeks to try to avert disaster but it’s clear more drastic measures will have to be taken. Historic Royal Palaces Head of Public Engagement Projects, Rhiannon Goddard, has no choice but to put down an expensive and high maintenance option – special pre-seeded turf which already contains growing plants – to give Superbloom the best chance of flowering in time for the Jubilee. But despite everyone’s best efforts, Superbloom isn’t ready for its official opening. It falls to Chief Yeoman Warder Pete McGowran to reassure the world’s press that it will be worth waiting for.

Meanwhile, Ravenmaster Chris Skaife is keeping a close eye on the Tower’s ravens who are taking advantage of their popularity with visitors to steal their lunches. Yeoman Warder AJ Clark walks her newest and smallest dachshund puppy – he is named Reggie after Reggie Kray, an infamous East End gangster who spent time in the Tower. Chief Yeoman Warder Pete, and the Tower’s Governor Brigadier Andrew Jackson, award the Beefeaters a special medal in honour of the Platinum Jubilee at an exclusive ceremony on Tower Green, and Historic Royal Palaces Chief Curator Tracy Borman follows the tragic story of Lady Katherine Grey, sister of Lady Jane Grey, condemned to the Tower and a life of unhappiness by Elizabeth I.

A couple of weeks after the official opening, Superbloom can finally be seen in its full glory. A breathtaking sea of millions of flowers transforms the Tower’s historic moat, to the delight of visitors and Beefeaters. Three years in the planning, the vast floral installation to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee is the pride of the Tower at last.

Inside the Tower of London Series

You can find a full index and overview of Inside the Tower of London here.

Production & Filming Details

• Release Date: 10 November 2022.
• Rating: U.
• Running Time: 58 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

Video Link(s)