The Tower of London was surprisingly interesting. Many monarchs lived in the tower over the centuries. The tower is surrounded by buildings such as a chapel, refectory etc. and a large wall with living spaces and dungeons.
Our guided tour was conducted by a grumpy yet amusing Yoeman who retired from Her Majesty's armed forces after 22 years of service then studied for many years to become one of the caretakers of the Tower.
Some of the rooms and staircases in the wall are so tiny, there's scarcely room to put your foot down on one of the steps.
This next one is a view of the Tower from an anteroom to some dungeon cells.
A monk lived in this cell. At least he appeared to have been fed.
I loved these iron guards posted in intervals all around the tower walls.
One of the many relics/carvings recovered from the tower.
The chapel is still very much a working church that holds regular services. Photos of the interior were not permitted. It was truly ancient and medieval feeling on the inside with many relics and tombs inside. Its quite a modest size actually.
Who knew they made suits of armor for children?
The prisoner who scribed this intricate carving in to the wall was a fellow by the name of Hew Draper who was accused of sorcery in 1561. I would suggest that carving the zodiac in the wall of your cell might not go a long way to dissuading your accusers of your guilt.
We visited the tower at night to take some night shots. Here is another of the dutiful protectors on the wall:
This shot gives you a better idea of the layout of the Tower with its various means of defense.
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