Founded by William the Conqueror following his invasion of England in 1066, the Tower of London has withstood centuries of gruesome executions, bloody battles and royal treachery. To this day it encapsulates the dramatic history of the capital, with its supposedly haunted hide-outs and unanswered murder mysteries attracting more than two million visitors each year.
Arriving early afternoon to catch the penultimate ‘Yeoman Warder’ tour of the day turned out to be a worthwhile decision, as our fully costumed guide was excellent and extremely descriptive (not to mention enthusiastic) when it came to tales of hair raising beheadings. We were led through several parts of the tower’s outer boundaries, past traitors’ gate, tower green and the ravens’ enclosure before reaching the Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula – an innocent looking building until you learn of the hundred odd corpses nestled beneath your feet
As of 1303 the tower has also been home to the Crown Jewels, which were relocated following a theft at their original home in Westminster Abbey. They are now kept in the Jewel House at the tower under heavy guard, and the collection is vast and varied from spoons, sceptres and swords to royal jewellery and the imperial state crown.
Since we were fast running out of time (you could literally spend all day here) we had a swift look at the White Tower, built by William the Conqueror, which now houses a mighty collection of armour and weaponry, before clambering up to walk the length of the tower walls. An impressive view of Tower Bridge greeted us as the sun set over the Thames.
[Trip taken December 2012]
leannehyland 