The Tower of London is obviously an imposing sight. On occasions when I've walked past it, it has
always struck me as slightly incongruous to see loads of busy workers striding
past without giving it a glance. So much
history is held within those walls, much of it grisly.
Just take
the executions that have taken place there – Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard plus
others who had also incurred the wrath of a monarch.
And then
there were the 2 young boys who probably came to their deaths in the Tower at
the hands of a member of their family.
Of course,
some of the people imprisoned there did get out – and in Princess Elizabeth's
case, she became Queen of England.
The Tower
even held Rudolf Hess prisoner for 4 days in 1941! He was the last prisoner to be held there.
The Tower
was enlarged and fortified first by William the Conqueror – but later monarchs
extended the castle considerably. It was
more or less complete in 1285.
The Tower
wasn't just a prison for important prisoners. It also held an arsenal of
weapons, the Crown's Treasury and later on the Crown Jewels.
This is the
Imperial State Crown – that must be a huge strain on the neck and spine to
wear!
I have been there as well.......I stood in awe of all the history and was humbled that I could even BE there!!! We take so much for granted. I love a good book based on true historical facts that make me feel like I have 'gone back in time' to a place I have never been!
ReplyDeleteWe managed to go along for a look and it was spectacular and very moving to think that each poppy represented a lost life. The crowds were phenomenal ! I blogged about our visit : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.com/2014/11/london-diaries-poppies-at-tower.html
ReplyDeleteThe Tower is amazing- and the poppy display was awesome!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Carole.
ReplyDelete