Day 3: The Tower and The City – MAY 23, Tuesday
This morning we'll head out early to witness the opening ceremony at the medieval Tower of London. Our early arrival will leave us first in line to join a Yeoman Warder "Beefeater" for an entertaining tour and a close-up look at the UK's magnificent collection of Crown Jewels. After lunch, we'll continue on a walking tour of The City, the oldest part of London and today one of the world's key financial centers. We'll rest our feet while enjoying a quintessential English experience: afternoon tea, before you're set free to explore the treasure-packed British Museum. This evening is free and perfect for the theater (book a popular show in advance from the Colonies or pick up a ticket in London). Walking: strenuous.
MY highlight is the high tea. Missed it on the last trip, not gonna on this one.
The Tower is fascinating. When William the conqueror ( referred to as ' the Qatar's because he was illegitimate ) came from Normandy he did conquer in short order. Next he determined that he needed a castle and had The Tower built. Oddly enough he never did spend any time there. . His son, thoroughly disliked, did for a short while but the staff devised a plan of no fires set in the castle and since it was beginning winter, the son moved out in quick order.
Of no particular flow with this other than it reminded me of the wealth of knowledge of Tom, our guide. He is also an MBE - Member of the British Empire (one step lower than a OBE)... vestiture and the whole nine yards. He doesn't let others know about that, typical British reticence. I found out by chance on my first trip. This time I found out the why. It seems that my tour guide was involved with determining the structure, qualifications, etc. of those who become tour guides in London. Not shabby.
Picture time
This is the Tower of London. Only the upper crust were housed here before being beheaded - Ann Boylen, Catherine Howard,Sir Walter Raleigh, the 2nd highest ranking officer in Germany, Hess. As an aside, Henry VIII is reputed to have executed 48,000 people.
This is a Beefeater Yeoman. To attain this position you have to have served 15 years in a branch of the service. No officers, only non com's but they must have attained Seargent Major.
MY highlight is the high tea. Missed it on the last trip, not gonna on this one.
The Tower is fascinating. When William the conqueror ( referred to as ' the Qatar's because he was illegitimate ) came from Normandy he did conquer in short order. Next he determined that he needed a castle and had The Tower built. Oddly enough he never did spend any time there. . His son, thoroughly disliked, did for a short while but the staff devised a plan of no fires set in the castle and since it was beginning winter, the son moved out in quick order.
Of no particular flow with this other than it reminded me of the wealth of knowledge of Tom, our guide. He is also an MBE - Member of the British Empire (one step lower than a OBE)... vestiture and the whole nine yards. He doesn't let others know about that, typical British reticence. I found out by chance on my first trip. This time I found out the why. It seems that my tour guide was involved with determining the structure, qualifications, etc. of those who become tour guides in London. Not shabby.
Picture time
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