In London: The Tower

The Tower of London, or the White Tower. The stories that are woven around this one building are through history. The tower has been worked on and improved since William the Conqueror took over England in 1066. He used the old Roman wall as one of the walls in the original compound. At this time the tower was out of London. He decided to build it there because he feels the people of London need a constant reminder that he is there new ruler.

Through history the "Edwards" have had the most to do with the development of the Tower of London. Edward the first was the one that built the original outer bailey. To do this his men had to extend the bank. Later on these new walls have a story all there own, as the new wall on the extend bank contains the "traitors gate".

This is just outside the compound. This is a very interesting place to go if you have lots of time in London, it deserves an afternoon with everything to see.

Main gate and bridge into the compound.

The main gate.

The royal crest.

One of the Beefeater's that live and work in the compound. They give AMAZING tours that last about an hour. The Beefeater's that work here live in the outer bailey. To be able to work as a Beefeater in the tower you have to have at least 20 years military experience, attain a certain rank and have a spotless record.

The White Tower. It was originally grey stone like the rest of the compound but then there was a "white movement" in England and they painted many of the important places white. I suppose so it looks cleaner or to show purity.....which be be interesting considering how bloody the history is surrounding it.

Straight in fount is where the Crown jewels are kept.

There is a massive line to even get into the building. Things move faster than you think they might because once you actually get close enough to the crown jewels you are on a trend mill that keeps you going forward. If you try and walk backwards a bit to see something for a bit longer one of the Beefeater's will say something to you. Not only are the crown jewels in here but also swords and a bunch of gold dish wear.

In a smaller tower beside this building is where you can see the crowns of other monarchs, but they have had their jewels removed and had been recycled through many of the monarchs crowns over the years.

The White Tower wasn't for prisoners at all. It's original intent was as a keep with only a small space to place prisoners if they needed it. In fact it's bloody history is undeserved considering that only 7 actual executions ever took place in the compound........they all took place on a hill over looking it. Such a difference don't you think?

A very decorated weapon of war........

This is looking the other way away from the crown jewels. Everywhere in the compound is cobble stones or stone tiles and very traditional. It lives up to your expectations of an English castle.

Looking down from one of the walls this is a small portion of what you can see. In the far right is the home of the Governor (I believe). Where all the people are standing they actually have just walked up a hill from the outer Bailey.

Inside the Tower of London. I thought this was actually just for display purposes but it is actually the way they stored their guns. Just an excellent use of space.

Steve was able to "touch history". This is one of the iron helmets that would have been wore into battle.

Yet another helmet.

This part actually is a display of the kinds armor and his horse's armor. It's a bit blurry but the banners above tell you which king had what.

Chop chop, and that's they way they did it.

Broad swords.

This lined the wall......it is massive.

The second floor of the tower. This is the chapel.

Some pictures of the way it was built.

Traditional "hooded" fireplace.

A model scale of what it looks like.

There is a myth about the ravens. There are six ravens that are attached to the White Tower. It is said that if the ravens leave that the monarchy will die (or in this sense the Queen). They feed them very well.

What I found really interesting in the tower was the compound's chapel. This is where the tour ends. It's a small chapel but there are big things in it.........or under it I should say. After each execution up on that hill (and the 7 private ones in the compound .....public figures such as two Queens) were taken back to the chapel. A floor slab would be taken out and the body would be deposited there, dosed with lime and in a few years time it too would have a guest to share the space with. They speculate that Queen Ann's bones lay beneath the altar.

The outer Bailey.

Traitor's gate.

Outer bailey.

Just outside the Tower............the Tower bridge.