The Tower of London is basically what I would call a fortress. There are walls and a moat to keep out the enemy(ies) and buildings inside the walls. The main building is called the White Tower and was a castle and home to kings and queens at one point. However, the whole thing is known mainly as a prison and torture arena and head-chopping off place.
They un-earthed over one thousand victims of decapitation, torture, hanging, etc. when the chapel floor was pulled up for renovations and restoration. The famous and the infamous -- Ann Boleyn being one of the most known.
The tour guide was big on describing all the gory details. He was actually very entertaining.
In addition to all the political intrigue, the Tower of London is where the Royal jewels are kept and displayed. When you get to the room where the crowns and scepters are, there are two conveyor belts on either side of the glass displays that whip you past. Fortunately you can walk back to the front and take the conveyor belts as many times as you want.
The largest cut diamond is mounted in the Royal scepter. To say it is dramatic is an understatement.
Also on display is the Royal dinnerware. Not stuff you would find at your local department store. But I must say you could through some fabulous fondue parties with this stuff. And there's a gold punch bowl you could bathe in.
Near the Tower of London, which is on the Thames, is the Tower Bridge.
So here is the lates picture of me (bald?) with the Tower Bridge in the background.
