Among the oldest castles in England which are still in use， there is one called the Tower of London. This castle in the heart of London rests on the shore of the Thames River.
The Tower was built in the year 1078 by order of William the Conqueror①， who was then the king of England. Its purpose was to guard London. Sometimes it also served as the king’s home.
The Tower of London is more than one building. It includes a fortress②， a dark prison and lavish③ royal rooms. The buildings are surrounded by a moat④ and a high stone wall.
The Tower has been the scene of many tragedies⑤. For years， royal prisoners were sent there before being executed. They were kept in a prison area called Traitor’s Gate. Lady Jane Grey was sent there before she was killed. Two young princes were murdered in the Tower.
Today the Tower holds a collection of old armor⑥. It is also the storage place for the crown⑦ jewels of England. And it’s a popular tourist attraction.
① conquerorn. 征服者， 胜利者
② fortressn. 堡垒， 要塞
③ lavishadj. 非常大方的，过分丰富的，浪费的
④ moatn. 护城河，城壕
⑤ tragedyn. 悲剧， 惨案
⑥ armorn. 装甲
⑦ crownn. 王冠，花冠
饱经沧桑的伦敦塔
在英国现存的众多古城堡中，有一座沿着泰晤士河建造的城堡，称为伦敦塔。它位于伦敦的中心地位。
这座塔是当时的英格兰国王——征服者威廉在1078年下令修建的。威廉修建这座塔是为了保护伦敦，有时国王也以它作为行宫。
伦敦塔不仅仅是一个单一的建筑物，它包括一个堡垒、一座黑暗的监狱和一些奢侈的皇家居室。这座建筑群被一条护城河和一圈很高的石墙环绕。
伦敦塔目睹了英国历史上许多悲剧。多年来，皇家囚犯在被处死前都关押在那里的一个叫做“叛国者之门”的监狱里。简·格雷夫人在被处死前就关押在那里。还有两位小王子也在伦敦塔中惨遭杀害。
英格兰最古老的一座城堡至今仍在使用着。这座城堡坐落在伦敦市中心、泰晤士河畔，它就是伦敦塔。
今天，伦敦塔里收藏着古时的盔甲及英王王冠上的珠宝，成为备受欢迎的旅游景观。