Tower of London Guided Walk

23.6.11
This was really a tour round the exterior of the Tower, packed with historical detail, rather than a guided walk.
Unfortunately, the weather was absolutely dreadful! It rained the whole time, and this was driving rain and wind! Not pleasant for standing around listening - fascinating though it was!

I managed to learn a fair bit about the history of the Tower - there was too much of it to go into here, so I will just pick out a few highlights.

William the Conqueror and the Normans invade England in September 1066 and commence their strategy of building castles. A timber Motte and Bailey castle is first built on the site of the Tower of London. In 1078 a stone built, fortified, Tower was commissioned by William the Conqueror replacing the timber tower - it was called the Great Tower which was later re-named the White Tower. It was completed in 1097.

Over time the buildings were developed and extended until it became what it is today. Many famous prisoners were held in the Tower and also executed there. Animals were kept at the Tower - even a polar bear and an elephant! They were finally moved out in 1834 and London Zoo was created.
Among the last prisoners to be held there were the Kray twins for four days in 1952 for failing to report for national service!

White Tower

Waterloo block - the Crown Jewels

The crown jewels have been here on public display since the 17th century, with only one attempt being made to steal them - obviously unsuccessfully!

If you are interested in armour, there is a spectacular display of royal armour and their horses inside the White Tower. Well worth a visit.

         

Henry V111's horse

The ravens are a famous sight at the Tower of London. Legend has it that Charles 11 was told that if the ravens left the Tower, the kingdom and the fortress would fall. Ravens have always been kept at the Tower since that time (their wings are clipped so that they can't fly away!).

I don't think I have even been as wet as I was at the end of the day!