Inside The Tower of London | Series 7 Preview (Channel 5)

It’s 2024, a year on from the coronation of King Charles, and it’s all change at the Tower – and out with the old and in with the new. New Chief Yeoman Warder Rob Fuller and Yeoman Gaoler Clive Towell get used to their new jobs as the fortress prepares for its most action-packed event in years including the celebration of the anniversary of the D Day landings.

The Tower also gets a brand new Ravenmaster, while Debbie Whittingham prepares to retire as the Tower’s first female Deputy Governor. Historic Royal Palaces Chief Curator Tracy Borman investigates some memorable tower history including the extraordinary story of the missing head of Sir Walter Raleigh.

It's March 2024, and new Chief Yeoman Warder Rob Fuller and Yeoman Gaoler Clive Towell are in charge at the royal palace and fortress. They are hitting the ground running as the Tower prepares to pull off one the biggest events in its calendar – the Constable’s Dues. And it’s a huge one this year with over 80 Royal Marine commandos taking part in the 700 year old tradition.

In true commando style, the Marines are preparing an adrenaline filled spectacle with high-speed boats barreling along the Thames to the Tower dock, along with a helicopter fly past over the capital, as well as a marching band parade through the fortress.

With so many moving parts – and the eyes of thousands of visitors and high-profile guests upon them – everything must be timed with military precision. But Rob and Clive only have one chance for a run through of the complex manoeuvres with the Marines - the night before the Dues will take place.

Deputy Governor Debbie Whittingham must prepares Tower Constable, General Sir Gordon Messenger, for his first ever Constable’s Dues.

After thirteen years, much loved Ravenmaster Chris Skaife bids farewell as he steps down from one of the most unusual jobs in the world, and the Tower ‘s top brass appoint a new Yeoman Warder to the prestigious post – Barney Chandler. Responsible for the wellbeing of the Tower’s legendary birds, Barney is already feeling the pressure of his new role. But there’s no turning back as the Tower’s 6th ever Ravenmaster is announced to the world press.

Over at the White Tower, Keeper of the Royal Armouries Emma Mawdsley prepares for a blockbuster new exhibition that will make the hairs on the back of the public’s neck stand up – as an ancient executioner’s block and axe – likely used for the last beheading at the royal fortress in 1601 - are put on display.

And Chief Curator Tracy Borman is on the trail of Jane Boleyn, Anne’s sister-in-law. She’s long been considered a villainous schemer in the court of King Henry VIII, playing a key role in the downfall of two Queens of England, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. But Tracy’s investigation into Jane’s downfall paints a very different picture of a pawn of the Tudor court trying desperately to stay out of the crosshairs of England’s most paranoid monarch.

Inside The Tower of London returns Thursday 21st November on Channel 5.