Inside the Tower of London

"The Early Show" got a rare look into the Tower of London's secrets during the week of the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Co-anchor Erica Hill learned from the tower guards - the famous Yeoman Warders - that the Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078.

Special section: The royal wedding

Yeoman Warders

Two of the famous guards at the Tower of London, known as Yeoman Warders. The guards are more commonly known as "beefeaters."

The Yeoman Warders have a history of protecting the monarchy, but today, they protect the history of the storied Tower of London by educating millions of visitors.

Special section: The royal wedding

Tower of London's outbuildings

A view of the Tower of London's many buildings. The main, central white Tower of London, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078.

Special section: The royal wedding

On guard

The Yeoman Warders live on-site at the Tower of London. They're seen here at the end of the day during the Ceremony of the Keys in which the Tower gates are locked tight.

Special section: The royal wedding

Tower tours

Tourists listen to one of the Yeoman Warders discuss the many beheadings that occurred at the Tower in its early history.

The guard reminded visitors, "Sometimes, it takes more than one attempt to cut a head off."

Special section: The royal wedding

Tourist destination

Tourists flock to the Tower of London to remember the landmark's bloody past, which includes the beheadings of three queens.

Special section: The royal wedding

Raven superstition

Why does the Tower of London have ravens? A guide told "Early Show" co-anchor Erica Hill the ravens are part of an old superstition that, if the ravens leave, the tower will fall down, and there will no longer be a king or queen.

Special section: The royal wedding

To make sure the ravens don't leave the Tower of London's grounds, the birds' wings are clipped. They're fed by the Yeoman Warders, who also live on the Tower's grounds.

Special section: The royal wedding

A display inside the Tower of London.

The Tower was actually used over the centuries as a royal residence and a place of worship.

Special section: The royal wedding

Scant light invades a corner window of the Tower of London.

Special section: The royal wedding

Saint meets end at tower

The famous author and eventual Catholic saint Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More - a close friend and confidante of King Henry VIII - was beheaded at the Tower of London in his cell for disagreeing with the egotistical king.

Special section: The royal wedding

A stone decoration on the Tower of London.

Special section: The royal wedding

An enduring tradition

A guard takes part in the closing ceremony, known as The Ceremony of the Keys, at the Tower of London. The display - held every day for more than 700 years - is the longest-running military ceremony ever.

Special section: The royal wedding