If I am completely honest, I did not think I would care too much for the Tower of London. I know, sue me! I think it came from a place of not having fully understood the historical weight and history that it holds in the city. But I am glad to announce to everyone, that I am now more cultured over its history!
Let’s start with my first impressions. As soon as we got off the Tower Hill underground station, everyone GASPED at the sight of the Tower of London. It looked so cool from afar, and I was so excited to enter. Before we made our way, we stopped to see a surviving part of the Wall of London. It was a defensive wall built around 200AD back when London was a Roman town port called Londinium. My brain cannot comprehend how even that small part of the wall has survived till this day.
We continued our journey into the Tower of London, and our first exhibit was “The Crown Jewels” which I was most looking forward too. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Other than maybe the fact they didn’t allow any pictures, and how fast it went by. Anyway! I was absolutely blown away by the detail and beauty of all the pieces in that exhibit. It was so interesting to read up on all the different traditions and all the coronation regalia. I knew royal coronations were important, but I never realized just how much goes and has gone into it. Such as the 12th century coronation spoon displayed at the exhibit. How it survived parliament’s destruction of the crown jewels in 1649, making it one of the oldest artifacts in the collection. I was so impressed by the insane details on all these pieces, especially the Sovereign’s Coronation Robes, which are also known as The Supertunica and Imperial Mantle. I had such a hard time finding my favorite piece. Then I stumbled into the artifacts and regalia used at Coronations Banquets and fell in love with the Grand Punch Bowl and its Ladle. It could hold 240 bottles of wine !! But the tradition was abandoned in the 1800s’ because of how expensive it was.
My second favorite exhibit had to be at Tower Hill. Although I don’t love executions, it was interesting to read about all the different kinds of prisoners and their stories. The story that stood out to me the most was about Queen Anne Boleyn, who was imprisoned and then later executed for not providing a son for King Henry VIII in their 3 years of marriage. He sent her to the tower and found her “guilty” of adultery with four men and incest with her brother. When I read that, my jaw dropped. She denied the accusations, and I believe she was telling the truth. Because that was a crazy statement to make, and a crazy sentence to read. But it gets funnier because she was actually calm at her execution, laughed, and commented “I have a little neck”. When I read that, I immediately thought of when I say “I’m so small and petite”. All the older people won’t get it, but if you know you know.
The Tower of London was right beside the Tower Bridge, which I was lucky to have walked through. I got to see the tower from a great view and discover a different part of London. It was filled with so many food places I couldn’t wait to eat! I was also matching with the bridge (not planned), which means I really am the main character.
I am so amazed by the history of London so far, and am excited to see what’s next. Tonight, I will be seeing London Tide at the National Theatre. I hope it won’t be too depressing, But alas, I will be going now.
CHEERS,
Belinda (your fav)
Theatre in London U of A 