From Speculation: Undercurrents of Treachery:
“The Tower of London loomed against the leaden April sky, its ancient stone walls seeming to absorb what little sunlight filtered through the clouds. John Dee pulled his cloak tighter against the chill wind coming off the Thames as he and Nicholas followed their escort towards the ancient fortress.
“Have you ever been inside the Tower before?” Nicholas asked, his youthful face a mixture of apprehension and excitement.
“Never,” Dee replied, his voice low. “And I’ve no desire to become a regular visitor. Most men who enter these walls do so far more easily than they leave them…although, it is claimed there once was a wealthy bishop, Ranulf Flambard, who gave a banquet despite being a prisoner, and when everyone else was drunk, he abseiled down the walls using a rope and got clean away.”
“Fantastic!” Giggled Nicholas. “Was this last year?”
“Oh, no. more like four hundred years ago, I think,” replied Dee.
A pair of Yeoman Warders in their red and gold livery stood to attention at a guard post. Sir William Petre had provided Dee with a written authorisation bearing the Lord Protector’s seal, and Dee’s old friend, Captain Mercer, flourished it confidently to the guards.
“We come on the Lord Protector’s business,” Mercer announced, handing over the document. “To interview the prisoner, Thomas Seymour.”
The more senior guard examined the paper carefully before nodding. “Follow me, sirs, if it pleases you.”
As they passed beneath the stone archway of the Bloody Tower, Dee felt the weight of history press down upon him. These walls had witnessed centuries of intrigue, imprisonment, and execution. Now they held Thomas Seymour, Lord High Admiral of England, brother to the Lord Protector, and uncle to the King himself.
How far the mighty can fall, Dee reflected. Although Thomas’ fall was helped in no small part by Catherine and me.”