As I walked into the Tower of London, it felt like I was walking back in time. I was so excited to read, see, and learn about all the coronations, executions, betrayals, and secrets that unfolded within the tower’s walls. My absolute favorite part of everything I saw was the Crown Jewels exhibit. Obviously, I have heard about the crown jewels, but seeing them in person was absolutely amazing. As a little girl, I have always been obsessed with princesses, princes, queens, and kings, so being able to see actual crowns and other garments and jewelry that the royal family has worn before was a dream come true for my younger self.
The Crown Jewels aren’t just beautiful; they also have so much history behind them and are symbols of power and tradition. Each piece, from the Imperial State Crown to the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, is breathtaking. The size of the diamonds and gemstones almost didn’t feel real. It was so pretty that I times I was thought this can’t be real, but I had to remind myself that they were and that it is just how amazing it is. I loved learning about the history of the crown jewels and how some were melted during the English Civil War. What struck me most was not just the glitter and shine, but the meaning behind it all. These items are still used in royal ceremonies today. That connection between past and present centuries of monarchs being crowned with the same pieces made me realize just how much Britain values tradition and symbolism.
After being amazed by the jewels, I explored more of the Tower and found myself pulled into its darker side. The execution site of Anne Boleyn, marked with a simple memorial, stuck with me in a completely different way. She was executed here in 1536, accused of crimes she likely didn’t commit. Standing near the spot where she lost her life was a unique experience. It reminded me that the same monarchy that crowns with diamonds also took the lives of many when power was threatened. It is crazy to me to think how Anne Boleyn would have felt in that moment right before her life was taken, and how it must have been leading up to it. It is so sad to learn about her and her death, and even crazier to be able to walk to that spot as well. Her memorial was very simple and pretty, especially with the flowers surrounding it set down by people. Another one of my favorite parts of learning the dark history of the tower is when we stepped into the Bloody Tower, where the mystery of the two missing princes still lingers. It’s one thing to read and learn about it; it’s another to stand in the room where they were last seen. It gave me a spooky and uneasy feeling knowing that this was the room where they disappeared. That moment made the brutal side of royal history feel close and real. Finally, after seeing both the Crown Jewels and the darker corners of the Tower, it made me realize how complicated British history is, a strange mix of tradition and power struggles. Overall, I loved learning about the Tower of London and everything it has to show me.
Theatre in London U of A 