The Historical Tower of London

The Tower of London is a very popular attraction for tourists and locals alike. If you've never visited, you might like to learn a bit about it, in case of future visit to London.

The Tower of London, situated on the bank of the River Thames in East Central London, has been a royal residence, royal prison, royal execution site, royal mint, vault, armory, zoo, museum... the list goes on.

It is guarded by the infamous Beefeaters and is one of London's best-known landmarks; home of the British Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is a must-see attraction and if your visit to London affords you the time, you can return in the late evening, at which time, the Tower can be quite magical. At exactly 9.53 p.m., the Ceremony of the Keys can be seen. This 700 year old tradition, during which the Tower's gates are locked for the night, has continued without regard to plague, fire, or German aircraft bombardment. The ceremony completes before the clock strikes the hour of ten; a short ritual, displaying all the appropriate British precision and pomp.

At the Jewel House, you will find crowns and sceptres encrusted with some of the world's largest and most beautiful diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. Then there is the Tower Green, depicting gruesome tales of execution at the scaffold site, where three English queens were beheaded. The Tower offers something of interest to almost every person who visits.

The Tower of London's list of political and religious prisoners, many of whom entered through Traitors' Gate, is long, and includes notable captives like Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Walter Raleigh. Even the future Elizabeth I "served time," imprisoned for three months by her half-sister Queen Mary I. Release for many came only through the executioner's stroke. A visit to the Bloody Tower, allows you to see what living conditions were like for some who were imprisoned here.

A legend that goes back to the time of Charles II's reign in the 17th Century says that a curse was placed that England will suffer a terrible evil should the Tower of London lose its ravens. King Charles didn't take any chances with such a curse and decreed that at least six ravens should always be kept at the Tower.
One Yeoman, called The Raven Master, is charged with caring for the Tower's flock, and keeping their wings clipped so that they remain in the Tower grounds. The Crown wants to ensure that England and its Tower will be around for the next nine hundred years.

If I've captured your interest in visiting the Tower of London, you will need to allow two to three hours to see the buildings and their historical artifacts.

Well... have I whetted your appetite? I've been there and it's a very interesting place.