Ravens, Jewels, and Torture! Oh my!

Ravens, jewels, and friends, the three things I found most interesting and fun today! We spent the day walking around the Tower of London which is very close to our lodgings! While on the journey to the tower, I heard many British accents and sayings of “cheers”.

Upon arrival, we went straight to the Crown Jewels to beat the crowd, and good thing we did because when we came out it was wrapped around for ages! Going into the exhibit, I was in awe of all of the crowns, staffs, and orbs. It is wild to me how old the history is, and that each that is crowned is inducted through a ceremony that has been going on for hundreds of years.

After the jewels, we walked all around the Tower of London. I made my way to all of the buildings I was able to enter, but after looking at them all, I have to say that the Torture at the Tour exhibit took the cake. It was so interesting to see all of the various ways that those who were imprisoned were tortured before ultimately dying. Anne Boleyn, Queen of England at the time to her husband Henry VIII, was taken into the tower as a prisoner for charges of adultery, incest, and treason. She spent 17 days at the tower as prisoner before she was beheaded. The”memorial” for those who were killed at the tower was outside where we saw Queen Boleyn’s name carved which I pictured below.

On the way out, after spending a more than average tourist time amount at the tower, I spotted two ravens sitting side by side just as the tower would have wanted. It is said that if there are not two ravens present at the Tower of London at all time, then the city will fall. Good thing they had ravens of plenty in cages, some with clipped wings, and various tagged ones around the grounds. Before we left though, Cate and I had to snag a pic with the Beefeaters who are the guardians of the tower.

Reflecting on my experience, I am thankful to have been able to soak up all of the architecture that the tower has to offer. From beautiful stone work, chapels, MANY stairs, and fantastic views of the city, it was an unforgettable time!