The tower was built in 1320-25 as part of Henkersteg. Originally it protected the outflow of Pegnitz and lost its function in 1400 because of the construction of the last city fortifications. The executioner lived in the tower and in the northern arches, which are preserved till today. In 2007, the executioner's house and the museum of Nuremberg's criminal history was opened, which is illustrated by the example of executioner's Franz Schmidt's diary. It is supported by the History for All association.
