No worries, we were not beheaded at the Tower of London, but we did learn about so many of the others who were. Some of the more famous ones we can remember from our visit: William Hastings 1483, Queen Anne Boleyn 1536, Catherine Howard 1542, Lady Jane Gray 1554 and Robert Devereux 2nd Earl of Essex 1601. The History of the Tower of London is loaded with drama.
Our guide through the tower was a master story teller, as a result this was my favorite stop in London so far. I knew I would love it as it is also home to the crown jewels – the one area where no photos were allowed. Here is the Tower of London in the background, as we walked up to it.
The girls at the entrance to the Tower of London. We walk through this gate and then join in with the next tour group leaving.
Nicknamed Beefeater, the 12 guards at the Tower of London are officially called Yeoman Warders. To us, they were the tour guides, although their official responsibilities are safeguarding the British crown jewels, and of course, looking after any prisoners at the Tower. I love their uniform and had to ask about the ER which it turns out stands for Elizabetha Regina (Regina is Latin for queen).
The photo is of our “guide” who took one look at our teen’s panda hat (yes, she is still wearing it) and called her “panda slayer.” While my teen didn’t really find this so funny, the rest of the group had a good laugh about it. I can’t speak about all of the Beefeater guides, but we were really lucky to have this one. He was knowledgeable, funny and witty.
We were enchanted by the changing of the guards just outside the building which houses the crown jewels. Unfortunately no photos were allowed of the stunning crown jewels, which is fine as all those sparkly diamonds would have messed with the lighting.
A memorial at the chopping block in the Tower of London:
Every good tower has a dungeon with the “rack.” This one was eerie, as we knew it had actually been used to torture people.
More Information:
- Tower of London is one of many cool things to do in this city.
- For ticket prices and opening hours check the Tower of London’s official website.
- Check out Travel Tips for the UK and Ireland Visitors for all our travel tips before you go.
- If you are an overseas visitor and love castles and old ruins, get either a 9 or 16 day English Heritage Overseas Visitor Pass. It will give you unlimited access to over 100 sites across England.
- We stayed at a Premier Inn as it was affordable, clean, consistent. We found the best prices at Booking.com.
All photos on this page © Rhonda Albom 2012
Note: Based on world conditions, we advise checking official channels including cancellation policies prior to booking. Also, with often reduced capacity, booking ahead becomes more important.
Sindi
I’ve also heard about the legend of Anne Boleyn. It’s so strange that we use these building today as a part of a sightseeing tour or museums but they had been places for mass fatalities. And I guess there are a lot of places like this. The middle ages weren’t so golden at all.
Rhonda
I never really thought about it that way, but you do have a really good point. I guess it is not much different than in the middle ages when the public executions were so popular and well attended.
Carol
wow! Fantastic post. It is really interesting and it is attention grabbing.
LisaAuch
You are all having such a wonderful time!
Rhonda
Most days yes 🙂
Tony Payne
I would love to go back to the tower. I only went once, in August 1977 a month after I had moved to London. Being August it was a really hot day, and the Tower of London was heaving with tourists. Where the memorial now stands for the site of the chopping block, there was just a plaque on the floor, and there were too many people to even see it. Very claustrophobic and not a good experience.
I worked just across the river in Bermondsey for a couple of years in the early 1990’s, but never managed to get back to the tower unfortunately.
Rhonda
Sorry to hear it, I think the Tower of London was my favorite spot in the city. (except for Westminster Abbey). Maybe someday. It shouldn’t be too hard for you.
Lynne
The beefeaters are fantastic guides! Panda slayer! ROFL
Rhonda
Yes, they were awesome.
Robyn Orchard
Enjoying travelling the world with you. You are just starting week 9 of your adventure. It is now 56 days since you left New Zealand which I think is just over one fifth of your around the world journey…. Make the most of the warmth and sun because it is getting real cold here. Early season snow on the mountains Melissa and Sarah it could be a good season. 🙂
Comedy Plus
I would have loved to do this tour. I’m glad you are all having a great time.
Have a terrific day. 🙂
Rhonda
It was one of the best tours so far. You would have love it.