The Tower

The Tower of London. Reproduced in J.R.Green, A Short History of the English People (1900). University of Victoria Library.

Political prisoners were frequently imprisoned in the Tower of London (though their imprisonment was usually reasonably comfortable). The notorious Traitors' Gate could bring them directly from the Thames into the Tower.

Nobles condemned to death were usually executed by beheading-- and many of their death speeches are remarkable for their courage and composure. Common traitors were hanged, drawn, and quartered.

The Tower today.