Pictures of History is back this week with my visit to the Tower of London. The Tower began its life during the reign of William the Conqueror almost one thousand years ago. For hundreds of years it has been a home for royalty and a prison. It is the place of death and the final resting place of King Henry VIII’s beheaded queens.

Today, it houses the fabulous collection of British Crown Jewels. For security purposes this exhibit does not allow photography.

Tower Bridge seen through the Tower of London Tower of London

As I walked to the Tower I could see Tower Bridge peaking over roofs of the Tower complex.

The White Tower The White Tower The White Tower

The White Tower, built around 1080, is one of the most iconic buildings of the Tower complex and contains many centuries’ worth of artefacts; including human and equestrian armour, weaponry and Elizabeth I’s wooden head. Below is the armour of Henry, Prince of Wales, the heir of James I and VI before his untimely death. You will also see the armour of Henry VIII.

Traitor’s Gate Traitor’s Gate

Traitor’s Gate where those under arrest were brought to be imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Tower Bridge from Tower of London Tower Bridge from Tower of London Tower Bridge from Tower of London

More views of Tower Bridge from the Tower of London. I do enjoy the mix of architecture in this area of London you can see The Gherkin, The Shard and City Hall, the ultra-modern glass-fronted designs alongside the Roman remains and the medieval.

Memorial to Anne Boleyn and others that were sentenced to death is on Tower Green. However, it is not the spot where the scaffold was placed. Evidence suggests that it was in the vicinity of the White Tower.

Changing of the guard outside the Queen’s House Changing of the guard outside the Queen’s House

The changing of the guard occurs every two hours outside the Queen’s House and the Jewel House. It is a silent post outside the Queen’s House, so as not to disturb residents, and so there is no stamping of feet as the sentries swap places as found at the Jewel House. When an officer inspects the post there is only a whispered ‘All’s well.’

St Thomas’ Tower contains the medieval quarters to the right is the private chapel of King Edward I.

Previous posts in this series.

Pictures of History: Alnwick Castle

Pictures of History: Rosslyn Chapel

Pictures of History: Blair Castle

Pictures of History: Natural History Museum

Images author’s own

Sources:

http://www.hrp.org.uk

https://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/anne-boleyn-and-the-tower-of-london/