While I am not sure how credible this number is, Movement Strategies states that an estimated 3 million people come to visit the Tower of London every year. Meaning, roughly 8 thousand tourists, historians, school children, and locals come to walk through this historic site each day. The question is why though? For some, the Tower of London is the place with the pretty jewels; others come for the weapons and torture chambers. For most, including myself, we come for the ability it has to transport us through British history.
During my tour of the Tower of London, there was one historical person that I found the most compelling: Lady Jane Grey. Lady Jane Grey is one of my favorite historical figures. According to Historic Royal Places, Lady Jane Grey was born in 1537 to Lady Frances and Henry Grey, 3rd Marquess of Dorset. She became a favored successor to the throne during the rule of her cousin Edward VI. This was controversial because it came as a result of the disinheritance of his sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, so that the throne would pass to a male Protestant. So, after the death of Edward VI, she was crowned queen. Her reign was cut short. Her cousin Mary overthrew Lady Jane, had her and her husband imprisoned, and she was eventually put to death at the tower. Lady Jane died at just 17 years old. To this day, her reign remains the shortest in British history.
By far, my favorite actual exhibit was the Bloody Tower. My personal tour guide, aka Merritt, was adamant we go and see it because it is her favorite. It is an animated story that follows the story of Edward V and his younger brother, Richard. The two young boys disappeared after their uncle King Richard III. It is rumored that it was their uncle that killed the boys, but there is no conclusive evidence. However, the rumors were large enough to have the tower renamed.
Very fun, super cool, amazing time!
Theatre in London U of A 