The Shadow Tower

The Shadow Tower is a castle on the Wall. It is located close to the western end of the Wall. It is one of three castles still manned by the Night's Watch at the time of the series.

In the books
In the Song of Ice and Fire novels the Shadow Tower is under the command of Ser Denys Mallister. It is not the western-most castle on the Wall, which used to be Westwatch-by-the-Gorge. However, Westwatch has fallen into ruin and is no longer garrisoned. Qhorin Halfhand was usually based at the Shadow Tower.

Patrols and scouts from the Shadow Tower have to keep a close eye on the surrounding terrain. Though extremely difficult, it is possible to by-pass the Wall by descending through the Gorge and crossing the Bridge of Skulls, or by tracing a dangerous route through the Frostfangs to the west. The Night's Watch has to keep an eye on these routes for signs of wildling activity.