London: The Tower of London

We left a visit to London's most popular tourist attraction until the school holidays were over. Even then things were still crowded but once we got inside, there is plenty to see and do at London's notorious tower.

The tower is actually more than just a tower. It's a small village behind impressive fortifications that still accommodates military staff to this day. Beefeaters, Gurkhas and other servicemen and women were on guard and on patrol providing a spectacle for the tourists.

Modern and ancient London

The Crown Jewels were a major highlight, sadly a highlight that isn't permitted to be photographed. We also found the dungeons and torture chambers quite interesting but a bit too dark and dingy for photos. However we could take photos in other places - like the exhibits of arms and armour which were very interesting

At lunchtime we managed to find some space on the walls to see troops firing off a multiple gun salute on the banks of the Thames to celebrate both the Queens Jubilee and President Trump's visit to London. Either side of the salute we trekked around other buildings and the walls to view a number of other exhibits relating to the history of the Tower. One of the more unusual ones was a history of The Tower being used as a zoo at various times over the centuries to keep exotic and fearsome animals for the amusement and entertainment of the Monarch and other notable people.

A truly fearsome creature

Also present around the Tower were the famous ravens. Legend has it that the tower will stand as long as the ravens are thriving so they are looked after most carefully.

After spending most of the day at the Tower, we walked across tower bridge and along the south bank of the Thames before heading home.

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