The Tower of London is a highlight of the city. For nearly 900 years traitors, kings, queens, saints and sinners have been held here against their will. Beefeaters were responsible for looking after the prisoners, and watching over the Crown Jewels.
Once an hour there is a free tour with a Beefeater as your guide. Although their name and uniform seems comical it is a very prestigious position. One must have at least 25 years of an unblemished military career in order to just apply for the position.
The Beefeaters and their families live at the Tower where they have their own church, doctor, and pub. It is tiny community.
The Tower of London is protected by royal guards. I was surprised to see them at first but it makes sense considering it is the location of the Crown Jewels, one of the diamonds alone is 530 carats.
Is it just me, or is something not right here?
So long London; until next time!!
Did you say Crown Jewels or family jewels in regards to the suit of armor :o) When you think of all who have been imprisoned there: William Wallace (Braveheart), Sir Thomas More, Anne Boleyn (King Henry VIII's wife), Sir Walter Ralegh, William Penn, lots of Kings and Queens and even Hitler's Deputy, Rudolf Hess. You were walking in some pretty incredible footsteps. You have to love London for it's rich history and so much more!
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