Yesterday The Girl and I visited the Tower of London.
The Tower of London began it’s history in the 1080’s when William the Conqueror began building a fortress on the sight to protect his throne. The Tower of London was added to throughout the years and evolved to be used as the famous ‘prison’ we know it as today. Funny we go to visit it, when throughout history, most of it’s visitors would’ve done anything to get out of it.
There are 6 Ravens that guard the Tower of London {plus a 7th, now, for good measure}. Legend says the Tower will fall if they ever leave.
They are fed daily by a Ravenmaster. And, apparently, they can get a little feisty {they must take their job very seriously – ha!} so you are not supposed to try to get too close.
The Yeoman Warders give tours inside the Tour of London. They are also known as the “beef-eaters”, apparently, because when they served the King, they were allowed to eat their fill of beef while at the King’s table. Now, to become a Yeoman Warder, they had to have served in the armed forces.
We stood in line to see the Crown Jewels for 45 minutes only to discover we could not take pictures of the jewels! Boooo. I wanted to show you Queen Mary’s crown {our favorite}.
In case you didn’t know, the Crown Jewels is where the monarchy now displays their most valuable jewels and former monarchy crowns. {Holy buckets, can you imagine needing a whole building, instead of just a jewelry box?!}
You can also see 500 years of armor in the Fit for a King exhibit, but because we only had 2 hours to look around we missed it.
The Ceremony of the Keys happens everyday. It is the official locking of the Tower of London. It is both ceremonial and practical–because of the Crown Jewels, security is no joke here. The vault doors were awesome!
If ever in London, The Tower of London is a must see.
Peace Out Girl Scouts,
We are off to do some more exploring.
~Mavis
Becca says
Oh how I wish I could have come with you. Visiting London – and the rest of UK – is on our family “to-do_soon” list.
Helen in Meridian says
Since week 1, you have never mentioned the two tragic deaths of favorite characters on Downton Abby. Are you two going to visit either of the Big Houses over there while on holiday? I am mourning over dear Matthew.
Susie says
Helen!!!! Spoiler alert, please!!! Some of us haven’t gotten there yet!
Mary Ann says
I missed the Tower of London tour on my visit to England 32 years ago. My friend and I traveled there together (we were 18 and 19 years old) and we got in an argument on the walk there. She went on the tour, I went walking around London. I never made it back for the tour.
I hope you’re enjoying it!
Diane says
Holy Guacamole! LONDON! ! How fantastic for you both. If you’re walking about and want to see something unique, check out St. Paul’s (the actor’s church). It’s located in the Covent Garden area and IMO a hidden gem. A lovely church with plaques all over the inside memoriaiizing famous actors, actresses, directors, choreographers and others in the theatre arts. It’s beautiful. The spirit of the place is amazing. There’s a lovely garden, although I don’t know how it would be this time of year. Lot’s of benches to take a break if you are walking the city on foot. Have a grand time and travel safe. Cheers!
Michelle says
London again?! And for the weekend?! How awesome…enjoy! Can’t wait to hear more about it…xo
Ursula Haigh says
If you can possibly squeeze it in~ visit The Museum of Garden History in Lambeth just across the Thames. Oh my, you won’t be disappointed! It’s rather smallish and offers a place to get a cuppa & something nibbly if you’re feeling a bit peckish from all your travels.
If you love tea, Twinings on the Strand is a wee shop/ museum of tea history & FREE !
Looks like you have great weather for walking about :- )
Heather says
Hethrow (however you spell it). i know it is odd to say the airport, but I flew through there two years ago on my way to Norway. I loved it. I had 6 hours of duty free shopping, food and people watching from all corners of the world. Oh my, enjoy every moment of a your trip.
Nicola Labrecque says
Well you made me very homesick reading your blog tonight. Enjoy London and don’t forget to hit a few pubs (kids welcome in the day) and of course a fish and chip shop. I do miss shopping in Tescos and Marks and Spencer’s but I don’t miss the cost of everything. Have fun.
Wendy Phelps says
Oh dear, Helen in Meridian I live in Australia and Downton Abbey has just started series three. You have given something away, what, Mathew dies, oh no. I have just watched dear Edith left at the alter tonight, so sad for her, and you say two deaths. Enjoy London and do try to take in the Mansion that is Downton, it is amazing.
Helen in Meridian says
Wendy dear, sooooo sorry. I heard that England saw the ending in December. I assumed we were the last to see the third series ending last Sunday. Forgive me.