The Tower of London dates from 1078, when William the Conqueror
began to construct the White Tower. It was turned into an
enormous concentric fortress by Henry III and has been a fortress,
royal residence and prison. Lady Jane Grey came up through the Traitor's Gate on the Thames to be beheaded at the tower. The young Edward V and his brother, the Duke of York, were reportedly smothered here by the order of their uncle, Richard III.
The guards at the Tower of London are known as Yeomen Warders. The British Crown Jewels are safeguarded at the Tower.