This tower
has a huge history. And you got a sense of this as you walked
around the huge complex. We spent a beautiful sunny Sunday wondering
around this fortress. We began our tour at tower green. Here
we saw a very important fixture of the tower.
The Ravens.
The legend says that if there were ever less than six ravens
the tower itself would fall to the ground. The Yeoman warders
must believe the legend as they have clipped the wings of the
ravens and have a handful of spares in case.
You can
see exactly where two of Henry VIII wives were beheaded and
later on the actual axe and chopping block were on display.
Five other victims also met their fate here.
A huge highlight
for me was viewing the magnificent crown jewels. They were indescribably
beautiful, filled with diamonds. It’s hard to describe
the feeling of being so close to something that is priceless.
There was also an interesting presentation of Queen Elizabeth’s
coronation.
The Yeoman
Wardens still guard the tower today. Although their main role
at the tower is to lead tours of the many hundreds that visit
each day. Their uniforms are brightly coloured and original.
A step back
in time is how you might describe the medieval palace. It was
not at all what I expected of a palace with its wooden dusty
floors and exposed beams. I guess I thought it would have been
stone and much more grand. It has been restored using archaeological
clues that were found from the decaying building. Edward I actually
lived here. You almost felt as though you were at one of those
old-fashioned finger food banquets. Quite eerie.
The white
tower housed an amazing array of armour and weaponry. I tried
to hold a sword in my hand but I ended up setting off the alarms.
I was obviously not the only one who wanted this experience
because the alarm continued to go off as we looked around the
rest of the tower. Henry VIII had very interesting arbour. I
think he probably thought quite highly of himself, considering
the space he left for his manhood.
Extensive
views could be had from the wall walk.
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