London 14

Today our small family (Simon, Wayne, Molly, Becca and Kelsey) went to the Tower of London. After we got to the tube station, we learned that the wonderful powers that be decided to shut down the entire Circle Line (the best way to get to the Tower of London) and also most of the District Line (the second easiest way to get to the Tower of London). So, we navigated the tube ourselves and built our route through several underground and overground lines. We finally got to the Tower just before noon and caught a demonstration of a trebuchet and other old, defensive weapons.

We then got our tickets for the grounds and then embarked on a beefeater tour with this distinguished Yeoman Guard:

He took us all around the grounds and told us the stories of all of the history, good and bad, of the tower. We were told how the grounds and boundaries have been expanded and also changed and also of the many, many executions and imprisonments that had taken place at the Tower grounds. We were told about the Tudors, Stuarts and other royal families who imprisoned and tortured their rivals.

After the excellent tour, we went in and got to view the crown jewels. I thought there was only one crown, scepter and orb but instead there were several sets for many of the royals. Among the collection was a massive 600 carat diamond.

Then we walked back over to the Thames to get a great view of the Tower Bridge and the London Skyline before heading back to Regent's to embark on our reading of Boswell's London Journal.

Wish me Luck!

-Simon