The Tower of London 2014

The Tower of London

Historic Royal Palaces

Click on the above links to visit the Historic Royal Palaces website and The Tower of London website.

 For the first day on my own I thought I would just cross the street and visit the Tower of London.  I've been here 3 times before, but today I was flying solo so I was able to spend as much time as I wanted exploring.  I bought my ticket (GBP 22.00) and then wandered along the outside perimeter along the river to get a good look at the Tower.  The Tower was built in 1066 to keep hostile Londoners at bay by William the Conquerer. Over the years The Tower has been used as many things including a  palace, prison, a royal observatory and the royal mint.    Many famous people were kept prisoner here including Anne Boleyn, Sir Walter Raleigh and Queen Elizabeth I.

The moat is covered in grass and you are able to wander along the outside.  On the street side of the tower is a pathway, benches and flowers, a perfect place for a rest.  When the tower was no longer used for defense, the moat was turned into a zoo.

Yeoman Warder also known as a Beefeater.

Every 1/2 hour a guided tour by a Beefeater can be taken.  Don't be put off by the large crowds, these guys can yell really loud for all to hear!  Our guide was hysterically funny (this is not him, unfortunately).  Each tour takes about an hour but it seems so much shorter!  The Yeoman Warder a.k.a. Beefeaters were established in 1509 as the Royal Bodyguards.  They live within The Tower walls and must have served honorably in the military for 22 years.   

 

At the heart of The Tower of London complex is The White Tower.  It is the oldest building at the tower and was built to strike fear into the hearts of Londoners.  It is a fine example of Norman architecture.  It houses a fascinating collection of armor throughout British history.  You can see all the armor from all the kings and nobles including their horses.

My obligatory selfie to prove I was there!

Legend has it that if the six resident ravens leave The Tower the nation will fall.  There are currently 7 ravens in residence at The Tower, the 6 needed and a spare!  The ravens have one clipped wing and a Raven Master who takes care of them. 

Above is their cage where the ravens spend the night. 

Also in the above picture is various examples of architecture.  The Shard, the newest building in London, The Roman Wall - behind the ravens cage, The Medieval Towers and Palace built in the 1300's  and the Tudor buildings built for Anne Boleyn (but never used by her) in 1533.  

 The Tower of London and the Roman Wall. 

Another look. 

 The Tower has various displays of animals that used to be kept there made out of many different materials.  They were very well done.

 In the basement of The Tower, I found this dragon made from various pieces of armor and weapons. I loved it!

 Coat of Arms. 

 A peak into the interior of the old Medieval Palace.  

I spent about 41/2 hours here.  The crown jewels are magnificent and are included in the price of admission (no pics allowed).  There is a pretty good cafe/restaurant and really nice gift stores. I never tire of visiting.  

Visit the website for more information.