Tower of London

After a full day of sight-seeing, we managed another great night of sleep and were ready for more on Day 3. This time we headed to the Tower of London. We took our first Underground ride, and marveled at how well everything is labeled, and how easy it was to use. (DC could take a lesson from London's signage...) We originally planned to go to Greenwich too, but after realizing how big the Tower actually is, we decided to take our time and focus on the Tower for the day.

First up were the crown jewels. No photos allowed n the this area, but suffice to say they were beautiful and sparkly and Livi would've loved them! While it seemed like there were a lot of people there, the amusement-park-style line set up made me very happy were were not there on a busy summer day...

building where crown jewels are housed 

fun gargoyles up top

While we'd originally planned to take one of the free Yoeman Warder tours, with the large group size we decided to splurge for the audio guide instead so we could actually hear and go at our own pace. We spent the day wandering around the tower, learning its history (not as bloody as everyone thinks...), and enjoying yet another cool and sunny day!

we loved the audio guides

an old toy knight

views of the Tower Bridge from the Tower of London wall

Wire animal sculptures are found throughout the Tower grounds as an homage to when Royalty received exotic animals as gifts. There were a variety of animals housed at the Tower (including a fishing polar bear who caught his food in the Thames) but they were eventually moved, mostly to the London Zoo.

After we looked around the tower walls, we headed into the White Tower. This picture is actually a view from the boat ride we took the following day, but shows how the White Tower stood out behind the Tower walls.

Inside the White Tower is a museum in and of itself, with lots of armor and weaponry to take in.

One of King Henry the VIII's many armor sets

They built sculptures like this to show off the weapons they had...he's made entirely of weapons and shields!

complete with precious jewels to protect (well, models of precious jewels...)

pick your sword

And of course the beloved Ravens. One legend says that the ravens were causing trouble with astronomy studies at the White Tower, but King Charles II heard that if the ravens ever left the Tower, it would fall, so he ordered 6 to remain and stay protected. 7 are in residence today (the required 6 plus 1 extra) and hold a venerable spot in Tower history. They are taken care of by the Raven Master, and fed biscuits soaked in blood. They are really big actually, and can apparently cause some mischief. One used to bark like a dog and confuse people, another used to steal ribbons from girls hair. Yet another was "fired" when he kept eating TV antennas. They even have a special raven cemetery with grave stones and a plaque to those that have died.

This has absolutely nothing to do with the Tower of London, but while googling the ravens I came across this doozy from last weekend:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI46BSg444Y

Once we were done with the Tower, we headed over to the Tower Bridge for a closer look. We walked about halfway across and then headed on our way, yet again, passing up the chance to walk along the higher walkways with the see through floor...

On the Tower Bridge

On our way to the Underground, we decided to try and find the Monument, a monument to the Great Fire of London. We almost missed it hiding between the tall buildings... Another great view is supposed to be visible from the top, but the stairs and our non-love for heights kept us on the ground.

We took the Underground back to our neighborhood and decided to try some fish and chips recommended by the property manager at the Golden Hinde. The fish was HUGE, and very tasty.