Photograph of the cell nicknamed 'Little Ease' in the dungeon beneath the White Tower at the Tower of London. The focal point of the photograph is the door of the cell which is slightly ajar, revealing the ominous blackness within. Above the door there is a plaque bearing the cell's name.



The infamous torture cell was so-called due to its tiny size: it measured a mere 1.2m square. Its cramped size prevented prisoners from settling in any bearable position: they were unable to stand, sit or lie down. Furthermore, the windowless cell was in constant blackness. The inhabitant was forced to crouch in solitary confinement for days or even a week, before being released for interrogation and torture. It is likely that such torture cells were ubiquitous in Europe's prisons at this time.