Tower of London
This 1000-year-old structure has been homes to kings, their prisoners, the crown jewels and alleged ghosts. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and has been home to the crown jewels since 1303. While many prisoners entered, few ever left.
Two o f Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn in 1536 and Katherine Howard in 1542, were imprisoned and beheaded. Lady Jane Grey, the queen of 9 days, entered the tower and was executed in 1554. One of the most notorious inhabitants was the 2nd daughter of Henry VIII who was fortunate enough to make it out alive and later became Queen Elizabeth I. She herself would later imprison her own cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, who she eventually beheaded in 1587. To watch a public execution at the tower was a privilege, therefore it was reserved for those of rank.
Visitors of the tower can view many of the crown jewels, some of which are worn at the coronation of new monarchs. The crown is made of over 23,500 jewels, of which include 2,862 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires and 5 rubies. The largest ruby was allegedly taken from India and is still a topic of discussion, a point noted by a local tour guide when visited in June 2010.
An established tradition in the tower, perhaps more of a superstition, is the belief in the significance of the ravens. It’s thought that as long as the ravens remain within the walls of the tower, then the monarchy of England will not crumble. In order to not find out the consequence of the ravens leaving, several are kept there with their wings clipped to ensure they don’t fly away.
Buckingham Palace
This royal residence is vacant certain times of the year, including part of the summer at which time some of the state rooms are open to the public. Visitors can watch the daily changing of the guards, a favorite activity of tourists.
While touring the Palace, a local guide explained that a shell hit the back balcony during the bombing of London in the Second World War. King George V and the then Princess Elizabeth remained in the palace, above ground with many of their subjects. Other citizens including Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, escaped underground and lived in the various tube stations for the 6-week Blitzkrieg of the German Air Force.
One of the most recognizable symbols of England is steeped in tradition that dates back almost 1600 years. The royal residencies in London, with all its history and at times scandal still remains a favorite place to visit for many.
Author Sunil S.
This 1000-year-old structure has been homes to kings, their prisoners, the crown jewels and alleged ghosts. It was built by William the Conqueror in 1078 and has been home to the crown jewels since 1303. While many prisoners entered, few ever left.
Two o f Henry VIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn in 1536 and Katherine Howard in 1542, were imprisoned and beheaded. Lady Jane Grey, the queen of 9 days, entered the tower and was executed in 1554. One of the most notorious inhabitants was the 2nd daughter of Henry VIII who was fortunate enough to make it out alive and later became Queen Elizabeth I. She herself would later imprison her own cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, who she eventually beheaded in 1587. To watch a public execution at the tower was a privilege, therefore it was reserved for those of rank.
Visitors of the tower can view many of the crown jewels, some of which are worn at the coronation of new monarchs. The crown is made of over 23,500 jewels, of which include 2,862 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires and 5 rubies. The largest ruby was allegedly taken from India and is still a topic of discussion, a point noted by a local tour guide when visited in June 2010.
An established tradition in the tower, perhaps more of a superstition, is the belief in the significance of the ravens. It’s thought that as long as the ravens remain within the walls of the tower, then the monarchy of England will not crumble. In order to not find out the consequence of the ravens leaving, several are kept there with their wings clipped to ensure they don’t fly away.
Buckingham Palace
This royal residence is vacant certain times of the year, including part of the summer at which time some of the state rooms are open to the public. Visitors can watch the daily changing of the guards, a favorite activity of tourists.
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While touring the Palace, a local guide explained that a shell hit the back balcony during the bombing of London in the Second World War. King George V and the then Princess Elizabeth remained in the palace, above ground with many of their subjects. Other citizens including Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill, escaped underground and lived in the various tube stations for the 6-week Blitzkrieg of the German Air Force.
One of the most recognizable symbols of England is steeped in tradition that dates back almost 1600 years. The royal residencies in London, with all its history and at times scandal still remains a favorite place to visit for many.
Author Sunil S.
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