Today we're off to visit the Tower of London. This is a little of a misnomer, since the Tower really isn't just one tower but a complex of buildings some dating back to medieval times. I think most of us think of the Tower as a place where prisoners where held and heads were chopped off. Well, this did happen here, but it was also served as working government facility. Oh, and did I mention the Crown Jewels are housed here? That was the first stop on our tour since they are hugely popular and the crowds can get overwhelming as the day goes on. They have devised a conveyor belt system to keep the tourists moving past the more popular exhibits. I have to say, they really are quite stunning. They also look to be quite heavy which may be why the newly crowned king or queen usually only wears the crown for less than 30 minutes or so before removing it for lighter fare. The largest diamond in the world decorates the royal sword. The jewels in the crowns aren't shabby either.
Our next stop was the White Tower, so named because it was painted white at some point in the past. This is a large building in the middle of the complex and has several large displays of armaments from various periods including jewel crusted pistols. This is definitely a testosterone rich environment! There's also several displays of armor including Henry VIII when he's girth was quite a bit smaller than at his death.
Speaking of death, this was the sight of some pretty famous executions including some associated with the above mentioned king. Anne Boleyn and Thomas Moore both meet their maker in the Tower. There were also rumors about the fate of Richard's nephews, which was the subject of our visit to the Bloody Tower. As part of the presentation, visitors are asked to pick who they think did away with the young princes. One of our tour members recruited a group of school boys to push the Tudor button over and over to help give Richard a break. After all, it really seemed only fitting that our tour try to help our hero out.
After lunch we had the opportunity to visit Crosby Hall, the only medieval wooden structure still around. This is where Richard III stayed while in London, although it is not in its original location. It is now in private hands but we were able to visit thanks to the generosity of the owner, who some think is a bit of a cad. We were allowed to take pictures but we were asked not to post them on a public sight. You'll just have to take my word for it that it has been beautifully restored. There was wonderful artwork displayed along with some exquisite antique furniture. It really is quite a sight.
Tonight was our final dinner which was fittingly held in a pub where we were served fish and chips with mushy peas. It was a yummy finale to our trip. Our guides were thanked along with kind words for Sharon without who would we not be gathered. We topped off the evening with a pint shared among friends. It has been a delightful week with this group of Ricardians!
Our next stop was the White Tower, so named because it was painted white at some point in the past. This is a large building in the middle of the complex and has several large displays of armaments from various periods including jewel crusted pistols. This is definitely a testosterone rich environment! There's also several displays of armor including Henry VIII when he's girth was quite a bit smaller than at his death.
Speaking of death, this was the sight of some pretty famous executions including some associated with the above mentioned king. Anne Boleyn and Thomas Moore both meet their maker in the Tower. There were also rumors about the fate of Richard's nephews, which was the subject of our visit to the Bloody Tower. As part of the presentation, visitors are asked to pick who they think did away with the young princes. One of our tour members recruited a group of school boys to push the Tudor button over and over to help give Richard a break. After all, it really seemed only fitting that our tour try to help our hero out.
After lunch we had the opportunity to visit Crosby Hall, the only medieval wooden structure still around. This is where Richard III stayed while in London, although it is not in its original location. It is now in private hands but we were able to visit thanks to the generosity of the owner, who some think is a bit of a cad. We were allowed to take pictures but we were asked not to post them on a public sight. You'll just have to take my word for it that it has been beautifully restored. There was wonderful artwork displayed along with some exquisite antique furniture. It really is quite a sight.
Tonight was our final dinner which was fittingly held in a pub where we were served fish and chips with mushy peas. It was a yummy finale to our trip. Our guides were thanked along with kind words for Sharon without who would we not be gathered. We topped off the evening with a pint shared among friends. It has been a delightful week with this group of Ricardians!
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