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Beefeaters ( The tower is manned by the Yeomen Warders ( known as Beefeaters ) , who act as tour guides , provide security , and are a tourist attraction in their own right Every evening , the warders participate in the Ceremony of the Keys , as the Tower is secured for the night ) at the Tower of London Beefeaters , working at the Tower of London , are usually seen wearing the blue undress uniform ( pictured here ) granted to them by Queen Victoria in 1858 The Tower of London is often identified with the White Tower , the original stark square fortress built by William the Conqueror in 1078 However , the Tower as a whole is a complex of several buildings set within two parallel rings of defensive walls and a moat The Towers primary function was a fortress , a royal palace and a prison ( particularly for high status and royal prisoners , such as the Princes in the Tower and the future Queen Elizabeth I ) This last use has led to the phrase " sent to the Tower " ( meaning " imprisoned " ) It has also served as a place of execution and torture , an armoury , a treasury , a zoo , a mint , a public records office , an observatory , and since 1303 , the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom UK , England Europe ? |
