James Riley was a Yeoman Warder here at the Tower from 22 August 1834 (aged 41)replacing John Leeson.  To his sudden death 19 December 1835, (age given as 51 and spelt Ryley) and buried in the Tower.

There are different dates of birth for him from 1783 to 1790, and different spelling of his name Ryley to Riley.

James was born about between 1783 to 1790, he might have enlisted into the 43rd Foot. (43rd (Monmouthshire) Regiment of Foot), which in 1908 became the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, or the 95th Foot, more likely the 52nd Foot.

He was discharged as a Sergeant and had the following medals:

  1. General Service Medal
    1. Badajoz,
    2. Salamanca,
    3. Vittoria,
    4. Pyrenees,
    5. Orthes
    6. Toulouse
    7. Corunna Wounded

The Tower records show he was also at Waterloo, but the 43rd Foot were not at the battle of Waterloo.  He was also noted to have a server wound to his left arm.

We have no records of his wife or family, although he did live in the Tower, but the exact location is unknown.