Tower of London

Another AFA (Allen Family Adventure) - We decided to visit the Tower of London, which is not so much a 'tower' as a castle. (It is the second and fifth pictures) It is right beside the Tower Bridge (first picture), which was, not surprisingly, how you got to it. In the foreground of the pictures of the castle you see a white tent. They set up a temporary ice skating rink on the grounds of the castle. You can rent skates and go round in circles. It was cold but not that cold, so clearly there was some technology involved to make the ice.

It was orginally built as the 'White Tower' (you see it in the last picture) by William the Conqueror in 1078, and subsequent rulers added to it enclosing it in high walls and a moat, and adding many buildings. Probably the most famous use of the Tower was the beheadings done there, famously by Henry VIII of two of his wives. Plus it is the home of the Crown Jewels. You aren't allowed to take pictures of the jewels so I thought I'd find some on the Internet to post, but there are none their either. (I guess they really meant - No Pictures!) Let me just say that they look just exactly like you imagine royal crowns to look. There are about 10 of them, and each are made of gold or silver and encrusted with jewels. There is the coronation crown that is the actual crown placed on the newly crowned king or queen. They have to wear it 20 minutes, and then it is locked up again for the next coronation. There is a very small, delicate crown made especially for Queen Victoria who suffered from migranes and thusly could not tolerate the weight of the regular crown. There are scepters and 'royal orbs' and royal swords galore. Plus a gigantic royal punch bowl with a complimentary massive ladle.

The place is very entertaining, with live actors in some sections in period costumes. (third picture) Plus the place is guarded by the 'Yeoman Warders' more commonly known by their nickname, 'The Beefeaters' which actually comes from them being paid in beef from the King's table. You see John, Brittany and I posed with one. You also see a formation of them marching with the tall hats. This year (2007) the very first female Beefeater was hired, and she actually happened to be on duty in the room with the crown jewels. (Of course, no picture!)

The day was nasty, cold and rainy, and we missed the final Beefeater tour of the day, so we'll go again before we leave. Neat place.