Welsand's in London

Touring the Tower of London

The entire day Sunday was spent at the Tower of London. Jeremy and I had no idea that the Tower was an entire day event! There is really a lot to see (43 points of interest to be exact) and is well worth the admission fee!

For much of its 900 year history the Tower was an object of fear. Those who had offended the monarch were held within its dank walls. A lucky few lived in comparative comfort, but the majority had to put up with appalling conditions. Many did not get out alive, including several of King Henry VIII wives (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard), who he had beheaded! Much of the Tower history was disturbing and sad and it seems there were ONLY 83 deaths there...

The Medieval Palace was the residence for the kings and queens at the Tower. The rooms are shown as they may have appeared in the reign of Edward I late 1200s. The White Tower was the largest building at the Tower available to tour. It includes history on the attempt to blow up Parliament, lots of armor, swords, guns, cannons, and much more. My favorite building was the Jewel House which holds the British Crown Jewels--absolutely fabulous! It is an essential part of the Tower visit! There are several other towers and buildings within the compound as well.

The Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, have been at the Tower since the 14th century. Today they combine their traditional ceremonial role with that of a tourist guide. A photo with one is a must! This man actually knew Minnesota and said, "the home of mosquito's and snow).

Ravens (yes the bird) are also one of the most famous sights at the Tower of London. However due to the threat of the bird flu they were being kept safely inside. Legend has it that Charles II was warned that should the Ravens leave the Tower, the monarchy would fall and he therefore ordered that a small population should always remain. The Ravenmaster, one of the Beefeaters, looks after the birds. The birds have part of their wings clipped at the side so flight is impossible. A memorial in the moat commemorates some of the Ravens who have died at the Tower since the 1950s. The Ravens are an important part of the Tower.

posted by Chris @ 4:22 PM