Tower of London
The carvings in the Beauchamp Tower within the Tower of London are striking. There are so many to look at, and I can only imagine how long it took to carve these elaborate pieces into the hard stone. The first element you feel when you walk into the Tower is the cold, and you realise how cold it would have been to live as a prisoner within these walls.
Every building has a purpose to its structure. The Tower of London was a Royal Palace (the only Royal Palace to currently have a pub). It was also a fortress as well as a church. The Tower of London was begun in the reign of William the Conqueror from (1066-87) and the White Tower has changed little over the centuries. In 1285, the White Tower was encircled by two towered curtain walls and a great moat. The only major extension was towards the wharf which begun in the reign of King Edward III (1327-77) and completed under Richard II in (1377-99). Even to our present day the medieval defences are essentially unchanged.
The Western entrance was built between 1275 and 1281 it consists of three causeways and two drawbridges, a barbican (outer defence) . This was called the Lion Tower and is now lost. The Lion Tower took its name from the beasts kept there as part of the royal Menagerie founded in the middle ages.
There are enticing hints of how the Tower must have once looked they are revealed by in the fragments of ancient wall paintings which are captivating to behold. Most people do not realise that one can glimpse into the past whilst looking at art, it can give one a great insight into history.
Traitors gate is the most famous gate and was originally built for Edward I between 1275 and 1279. There were many ill-fated prisoners that made this journey; Anne Boleyn was accused of treason and Sir Thomas More was also accused and put in the Tower.
The Crown Jewels have been at the Tower of London since at least the 17th century. It was captivating seeing the crown jewels close up. My favourite one was the state crown with the Stuart Sapphire. Security has been stepped up a little since the 17th century. Our current monarch was crowned with the ST Edward's Crown also made in 1661. Queen Elizabeth wears the crown every year at the State opening of Parliament.
The Royal Yeoman play a critical role in guarding the crown Jewels and providing excellent tour guides. They live within the grounds and use the Royal pub regularly. They are superb tour guides and all of them are retired soldiers. For normal duty they wear the blue "undress" uniform, which comes in four weights ranging from winter to super lightweight for the summer. This was created for everyday wear around 1856. The only wear the red dress uniforms for ceremonial occasions otherwise it rots. It's heavy, but not uncomfortable and costs around £6,000 so you should not spill you're coffee on it!
There are 37 Yeoman Wardens who work night shifts day shifts and do various duties. They are outside most of the time conducting the guided tours. It can be a punishing schedule especially in the summer. They have to be in good shape or else they become food for the ravens. They have their own club called the Yeoman Warders Club which meets in the Royal pub.
Overall, the Tower is a great place to visit and a wonderful day trip to learn about English history and the monarchs. I am lucky to have visited it and equally lucky not to have stayed in the tower!
