Pictures of History is back this week with my visit to the Tower of London. The Tower began its life during the reign of William the Conqueror almost one thousand years ago. For hundreds of years it has been a home for royalty and a prison. It is the place of death and the final resting place of King Henry VIII’s beheaded queens.
Today, it houses the fabulous collection of British Crown Jewels. For security purposes this exhibit does not allow photography.
As I walked to the Tower I could see Tower Bridge peaking over roofs of the Tower complex.
The White Tower, built around 1080, is one of the most iconic buildings of the Tower complex and contains many centuries’ worth of artefacts; including human and equestrian armour, weaponry and Elizabeth I’s wooden head. Below is the armour of Henry, Prince of Wales, the heir of James I and VI before his untimely death. You will also see the armour of Henry VIII.
Traitor’s Gate where those under arrest were brought to be imprisoned in the Tower of London.
More views of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London. I do enjoy the mix of architecture in this area of London you can see The Gherkin, The Shard and City Hall, the ultra-modern glass-fronted designs alongside the Roman remains and the medieval.
Memorial to Anne Boleyn and others that were sentenced to death is on Tower Green. However, it is not the spot where the scaffold was placed. Evidence suggests that it was in the vicinity of the White Tower.
The changing of the guard occurs every two hours outside the Queen’s House and the Jewel House. It is a silent post outside the Queen’s House, so as not to disturb residents, and so there is no stamping of feet as the sentries swap places as found at the Jewel House. When an officer inspects the post there is only a whispered ‘All’s well.’
St Thomas’ Tower contains the medieval quarters to the right is the private chapel of King Edward I.
Previous posts in this series.
Pictures of History: Alnwick Castle
Pictures of History: Rosslyn Chapel
Pictures of History: Blair Castle
Pictures of History: Natural History Museum
Images author’s own
Sources:
https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/anne-boleyn-and-the-tower-of-london/
HistorianRuby: An Historian's Miscellany 
The Tower of London is on our must-see list for our trip to London in July.
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There’s so much to do there I needed a whole day. Queues build up did get there early and see the Crown Jewels first or the queue will be massive. Have fun x
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Thank you. We are really looking forward to our trip.
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Another informative post!! Thank you. Over the winter I watched a documentary on the Tower of London. I was fascinated to find out that the world’s oldest continuously performed ceremony takes place there……the Ceremony of the Keys. History is so much more fun to learn about as an adult than as a kid in school.
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Reblogged this on HavingANatter and commented:
Love your history? Read this!
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I love the tower. I’ve been fascinated by it ever since visiting when I was a little girl. I always feel as if history is permeating my skin when I visit. My favourite memories of the tower are being shown into the chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula by a beefeater because I was so desperate to be shown around on my fourth visit there (it had been closed every other time!). Also getting to see all the stone carvings from prisoners in the Bell Tower is always super interesting…
I love it there. 🙂
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I did visit St Peter Ad Vincula on this trip – amazing to think the remains of Anne Boelyn are interred there!
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And Katherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey… and a few others! Can’t remember now off the top of my head… the Earl of Essex?
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At least you have your head not like King H’s wives and Jane Grey! Sorry, poor taste.
I’d have to check on the males it’s been a while.
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