General Sir Gordon makes history as first Royal Marine in charge of Tower of London

For the first time in its 950-year history, a Royal Marine will take charge of London’s most famous fortress.

From August 1, General Sir Gordon Messenger will become Constable of the Tower of London, joining a list of some of the most famous figures and military leaders in British history.

He’ll become the 161st custodian of the post, which dates back to 1068 and has been held solely by senior Army commanders since the late 18th Century, currently General The Lord Nicholas Houghton.

“I’m delighted to be appointed Constable of the Tower of London,” General Messenger said. “This is a historic role and it will be an honour to follow in the footsteps of some illustrious predecessors. The Tower has a truly remarkable history and remains a thriving visitor attraction today. I look forward to playing my part in its story.”

The general served in the Corps for 36 years from 1983-2019, deploying to Kosovo, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan. He commanded 3 Commando Brigade in Helmand in 2008/09, served as Deputy Commander of NATO’s Allied Land Command, before returning to the MOD as Deputy and then Vice Chief of Defence Staff.

Since retiring, he has served on a number of boards and most recently, was commissioned by the Government to lead a review into leadership and management in the Health and Social Care sectors.

He assumes the role of Constable – the most senior appointment at the Tower of London – at the approval of Her Majesty The Queen.

Previous incumbents have included St Thomas Becket, the Duke of Wellington and 20th Century leaders such as Field Marshals Alanbrooke and Alexander.

As Constable, General Messenger will be HM The Queen’s representative at the Tower, and its formal Custodian. He will also become a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity which manages the Tower of London and five other royal sites, including Kensington Palace and Hampton Court Palace. 

“We are all delighted that General Sir Gordon Messenger has agreed to accept the appointment. He has an outstanding track record and will bring a wealth of leadership experience both to the Tower of London and to the board of,” said Rupert Gavin, Chairman of Historic Royal Palaces.

General Messenger joins the Tower in a busy year which will see the famous fortress encircled by Superbloom, a field of flowers installed to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

Although officially his five-year tenure begins on August 1, General Messenger’s formal installation ceremony will not take place until the autumn – a traditional ceremony within the Tower’s walls, involving the Lord Chamberlain as the monarch's representative, handing the Tower's golden keys to the Constable, as a symbol of his custodianship.