1998 Mystery of History – Day 5

Wednesday – London – beheadings and bridges

Today I am off to the Tower of London.  Get out the train map and work out how to get there.  On the train at Kilburn – change at Westminster and get the train to tower Hill.  I am getting to be an expert at this.  Come out of the station and follow the crowd – it’s not too hard to find the place.  Line up and go through the gate.  The feeling of history is incredible and I can’t get over the fact that I am walking on the same ground upon which many historical figures have walked.

HISTORY LESSON : Founded nearly a millennium ago and expanded upon over the centuries since, The Tower has protected, housed, imprisoned and been for many the last sight they saw on Earth.  It has been the seat of British government and the living q2uarters of monarchs --- the site of political intrigue and is the repository of the Crown Jewels.  It housed Elizabeth I when she imprisoned there by her sister Mary.  It has housed lions, bears and to this day – flightless ravens, not to mention notorious traitors and famed members of court, lords and ministers, clergymen and knights.

I see the site of the scaffold (look right) where the second wife of Henry VIII – Ann Boleyn – was beheaded, along with many, many others.  Creepy feeling. and makes my neck twitch.

I do the ‘follow the map’ suggested guide and it is unbelievable.  Up and down little staircases; along Tower walls and into many little interesting rooms.  I can take photos inside the Tower, except for Waterloo Barracks (on the left).  This is where the Crown Jewels are housed.  They are breathtaking.  Millions and millions of dollars worth of diamonds and precious jewels set in crowns, sceptres, orbs and other items of royal regalia.  In the special section where these jewels are there is no stopping.  You get on a moving walkway and stay on it until the end.  But the good thing is you can go around and get on it again and again.

The grounds are immaculate and I hear the story of the ravens which is if they ever leave The Tower the Monarchy will fall.  Hence that is why their wings are clipped and they are fed and encouraged to stay.

Taking loads of photos – I stop for a moment and get some good, kind person to take my photo with the Yeoman Warders – otherwise known as Beefeaters. They have lots on interesting tales to tell.  So much history – the suit of armour made for Henry VIII – and looking at it he sure must have been a decent size – I pity the horse.  Apparently old Henry was so big that he had to be lifted onto the horse!  Walter Raleigh’s room in the Bloody Tower when he was imprisoned; a copy of the Coronation Throne of Edward I and Traitor’s Gate.  So much to see and so little time.  You need at least a full day here or maybe two.  Maybe on the next trip I will come back here and take the tour given by the Tower Keepers.  After walking around here for about 5 hours, it’s time to head over to Tower  Bridge which is not vary far.  I am a bit disappointed with the tour – but hey what the – if you are in London just do it even if it’s only once in a lifetime.  Part of the tour is that we can walk across the span at the top of the bridge.  Really great views of the Thames and the Tower – so that was good. 

Am dead on my feet and I still have to go home and pack.  Tomorrow we leave for Athens!!!! WOW !!!!!! Point myself in the direction of Tower Hill station and head back home.  I am dog tired after all the walking – but it was definitely worth the sore legs and feet.

Highlight of the day : Spending time with my new mates – The Beefeaters.