It was super cool.. We took a yeoman guided tour, which took place inside because it was raining, and learned that even the tour guides are members of the Queen's guards. They have to work in some aspect of the British military for at least 22 years, and reach a somewhat high rank. All the yeomen live with their families in the Tower.
Anyways, we visited a chapel under which over a thousand bodies were found. Which doesn't make sense, because way less than that had been executed at the Tower. Three women are buried underneath the altar, including Anne Boleyn. We also saw the spot where she was executed, and our guide told us that, as she feared the axe, she was killed with a double edged sword, and the executioner cut off her head so quickly (while she was speaking) that her lips and eyes were still moving when her head hit the ground. Creeptastic, but totally awesome at the same time.
After the tour, we went to the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels. We couldn't take pictures, but they were amazing and I don't think I'll forget them anytime soon. The jewels are absolutely priceless.... they can't even be insured! Christina pointed out that taking just one of the jewels of a crown and selling it could probably end the world economic crisis. She's probably right.
Next we headed to the White Tower, which dates back to the Norman kings and was a royal residence through Tudor times. There was a royal armor exhibit going on, which was pretty interesting. I really liked the swords and the display of the chopping block/axe, and a chair in which a spy was shot. We also found a Norman toilet.
We also went inside the Bloody Tower, which has more or less been turned into an exhibit about the 2 princes who disappeared inside the Tower, and were most likely murdered. On the way out, we spotted the ravens. According to legend, as long as there are ravens at the tower England will not fall. However, some are in an enclosure and the rest have clipped wings. I'm failing certain that's cheating, but there hasn't been a successful invasion of England since 1066.
When we finished up at the Tower, we met Casey and Andrea at a tube station and went to find meat pies on Fleet Street (like in Sweeney Todd). We wandered for a while, walking past St. Paul's and the Millennium Bridge, which was destroyed by Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. I was really excited. Anyway, we eventually found Fleet Street. However, it is not a super popular area, and there weren't many places with meat pies, so we bought some pasties instead.
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| London Bridge? Wrong. This is Tower Bridge. London Bridge is something else. |
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| Eating some pasties. Delicious. |
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| a cool tin that reminded me of Lauren (daycare kid) |
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| one of the Tower's ravens |
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| St. Paul's |
Thursday I leave for spring break. So excited!
OK...I have to make a comment. The Tower of London IS a tower....it's actually named for the White Tower, which is the central and oldest part of the tower complex....the original Norman Tower. Do the Yeoman Warders know nothing? ; )
ReplyDeleteFleet St. is also part of the financial district, which is deserted on week-ends. There are only 6,000 full time residents so it gets pretty uncrowded on week-ends. It is popular if you like exploring the oldest part of the city...it's part of the Square Mile. Lots of little, ancient streets, if you go looking.
If you like creeptastic on a larger scale, I recommend a visit to the London Dungeon. It's an attraction and will scare the pants off ya! It's on South Bank side and easy walking distance from the river. Go when you return from your break...very fun!