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Editor Pick
The Tower of London
- April 3, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
The Breeze from Mayfield, Ohio
I came to London with no preconceived ideas whatsoever about this famous sight, so I was nearly overwhelmed upon seeing its size and scope. The only reason I visited was because it was included as part of my tour package, but I was not at all sorry I did! It is a must-see for anyone visiting London, especially if you're a castle lover. More than just the old tower I pictured it to be, the Tower of London has been a fortress on the Thames, a palace, a treasury, and a prison and execution site during its nine + centuries of existence.
Even though I am not particularly a history buff, I enjoyed the adventure of wandering up, down and around the many spiral staircases, hallways and wall walks throughout this network of ancient towers. It gave me the feeling of how it must have been to live in such a long-ago age. We saw rooms of all sizes, armor, weapons, prison cells of both commoners and the gentry, and even a prison privy.
Another interesting section was the crown jewel collection, an awesome sight!
There were many legends and ghostly stories to read about, and probably many more to be told; if your interest and time allow, you might wish to take one of the Beefeaters tours. Also, a sound guide called “Prisoners of the Tower” is available for a small charge. There are a few interesting gift shops—the Tower Shop, the Medieval Palace Shop and the Jewel House Shop—on the premises as well.
From journal I Love London!
Editor Pick
Tower of London
- March 11, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Hissince76 from Denver, North Carolina
As a non-history buff, I was not sure how much I would enjoy touring the Tower of London. Just entering the gate I felt taken in by both its grandness and ‘oldness’. It was quite amazing to consider that I was walking on streets, and visiting building, that were fashioned before my country had even been ‘discovered’! Needless to say, I was very impressed and a little overcome even.We began by visiting the White Tower, the first known building to be considered the Tower of London. Next we moved on to the Jewel House (where the Crown Jewels are kept). I was astounded by the beauty and cost of the scepters and crowns kept there! After seeing the Queen’s crown I really wanted one of my own (if you knew me you’d understand!), I found a small replica in the Jewel House gift shop for £28 and bought it. I then found one similar in the Tower gift shop outside for £9!!! Oh well…We then moved on to the Chapel of St. Peter Ad Vincula, which houses many bodies of Tower prisoners. It was quite interesting and sobering to see the resting places of people like Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, Lady Jane Grey, and others I had learned about in British Literature classes. While I understand the reason for no photography in the chapel, it would have been cool to have pictures to show those back home.Outside of the Chapel we saw the Site of the Block. This was where seven famous prisoners (including Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) were beheaded. I stood wondering how many prisoners peered from windows in the tower watching their peers be put to death and wondering if they were next! Flowers lay in front of the scaffold site and are replaced daily.We found the Bloody Tower to be more personally interesting to us. For thirteen years it housed Sir Walter Raleigh (a man who played a founding part in our state of North Carolina). His ‘room’ is done with period décor and holds many interesting books to explore.On our way out, we went past Traitor’s Gate. Just standing there imagining all of those prisoners being led up those stairs… some to their death… gave me chills. There were some places like this in the Tower where all you wanted to do was just stop and listen and think.Needless to say, I found the Tower quite fascinating and would recommend it as a MUST SEE!!! The admission is a bit steep at about £13 but worth it all the same. Just remember to buy your crown at the Tower gift shop on the way out!
From journal London in 12 Hours
Tower of London
- March 2, 2006
- Rated 3 of 5 by
traveller22 from Natick, Massachusetts
This is a must-see simply because of its history. Children would love this activity, as it's outside and has characters that dress up as Brits from long ago. The highlight of the visit for me included seeing the Crown Jewels inside the museum. It is a small walk from the Tube stop, so be prepared, but it's well worth it.
From journal Weekend in London
Tower of London
- February 16, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
airpricing from London, United Kingdom
The Tower of London has so much history. It was a prison, but from the outside it seems like a castle. It has the queen's crown and some things from the medieval times. This is a very nice attraction in London to see.
From journal London - Tower of London
Tower of London
- December 6, 2005
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Kate06 from Union, New Jersey
A guided tour by the Beefeaters is a must at the Tower of London. The Beefeaters are witty storytellers whose booming voices relate tales of this house of horrors. Following the tour, cue up on the People Mover (moving sidewalk) to see the Crown Jewels. The magnificent jewels deserve at least one repeat trip on the People Mover. Afterwards, stroll around the grounds for amazing photo opportunities, particularly of the Tower Bridge.
From journal Loving London!