Today we visited the Tower of London. It was lovely to see the sun again!
The building in the centre of the photo is known as "The Gherkin".
This building s known as the Shard.
Traitors' Gate
The Tower of London
Armour
King Henry VIII's Armour
Chapel of St.John
Ledger from 1675
French 13" bronze mortars captured in 1758
Gilded statue of a winged lion - the symbol of St.Mark- captured in Corfu, 1809
One of the Tower's ravens. Several are kept on the site because of the legend that says if the ravens ever leave, the Tower will fall.
Another Raven
All the "beefeaters" live at the Tower. They are generally retired military personnel who have given at least 22 years of service. It is thought that the paved area at the right of the photo is where Anne Boleyn was executed. Some say they have seen her ghost. There's even a song about it: With Her Head Tucked Underneath Her Arm
The Chapel of St.Peter Ad Vincula (Peter in chains) is where Anne Boleyn (together with a number of other dignitaries who were executed at the tower) is buried.
The Beauchamp Tower
Many prisoners in the tower carved graffiti into the walls. Some of it is quite detailed. Thomas Rooper, 1570, may have been a member of the Roper family into which Thomas More’s daughter married, believed to be enemies of Queen Elizabeth.
Most of the family of Guildford Dudley (who was married to Lady Jane Grey) were imprisoned in the tower. This graffiti is by John Dudley. He escaped execution but died almost as soon as he was released.
Thomas Peverel, 1570
Another Raven
This is the place where Henry VI died (according to tradition). See photo below.
Tower Bridge (from the Tower)
Apart from the Crown Jewels (which are really quite stunning) there is a collection of other valuables. This chalice dates from about 1200.
We were told that these guards are serving members of the military and that the guns are loaded in order to protect the Crown Jewels, but can he actually see?
Still not sure!
This evening's entertainment was a pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, built in 1884. "Sinbad the Sailor" was a small budget and cast show but it was very well-acted and most entertaining!
