We had a free day before we left for Stockholm and so we decided to head into London for the day. It was cool and overcast but at least it was not raining. We went for a long walk along the Thames River and ended up at the Tower of London. I had been there once for a dinner event when I was working in London, but had never taken the time to tour the grounds and buildings. So, in we went.
The actual Tower of London is the building known as the White Tower which is surrounded by two defensive walls and a moat, making it very secure from attack. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as part of the Norman conquest of England. Originally, the White Tower was a grand palace and royal residence and by virtue of its strength, majesty and lordly accommodation was the most complete 11th century palace in all of Europe. The Tower has gone through several phases of expansion, mostly in the 12th and 13th centuries after which the layout remained unchanged. The Royal Mint and the Crown Jewels were originally housed here (the Crown Jewels are still stored here and are on display when not in use). It has also served as a prison from 1100 until 1951 (112 executions have taken place here over its 400 year history). The original entrance was via the Thames River, as water transport was the main mode of travel until the 16th century, and later became known as the Traitors Gate due to prisoners arriving this way when sentenced to the Tower.
Tower Bridge as we strolled along the Thames Walk
Setting up tents for a medieval carnival on what was once the Towers Moat
Rita looking "jolly" next to one of the Yeoman Guards, better known as the Beefeaters
Built in 1534, these houses built along the inner protective wall are still being used as accommodation for the Yeoman Guards that have to live within the Tower of London grounds
The original entrance to the Tower and now known as Traitors Gate is no longer in use, except as a wishing well for tourists
The White Tower still stands majestically in the center of the fortified grounds
The actual Tower of London is the building known as the White Tower which is surrounded by two defensive walls and a moat, making it very secure from attack. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 as part of the Norman conquest of England. Originally, the White Tower was a grand palace and royal residence and by virtue of its strength, majesty and lordly accommodation was the most complete 11th century palace in all of Europe. The Tower has gone through several phases of expansion, mostly in the 12th and 13th centuries after which the layout remained unchanged. The Royal Mint and the Crown Jewels were originally housed here (the Crown Jewels are still stored here and are on display when not in use). It has also served as a prison from 1100 until 1951 (112 executions have taken place here over its 400 year history). The original entrance was via the Thames River, as water transport was the main mode of travel until the 16th century, and later became known as the Traitors Gate due to prisoners arriving this way when sentenced to the Tower.
The White Tower still stands majestically in the center of the fortified grounds
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