London Trip: Day 2

After a long Day 1, we got right back at it Day 2. We wanted to get to the Tower of London before the crowds so we could sneak a peak at the Crown Jewels. We heard the waiting line can be lengthy. So we were up and at 'em early.  Getting up early wasn't too hard because I swear the sun comes up over there EARLY - like 4:30 a.m. early. It also stays up late, 9 p.m. at least that's how it is this time of year.

After a quick breakfast at the hotel we grabbed the Central line tube (subway) to the Tower of London. Generally speaking, 'the tubes' were always packed. They seemed much smaller than the subways in NYC. 

After a brief walk from the Underground (tube station) we were at The Tower of London. Talk about history! The Tower of London also known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress is amazing. The first part of the fortress - The White Tower - was built in 1066 as part of the Norman the Conquest of England. Over the years the castle was used as a grand palace, a prison, a royal residence, home of the crown jewels of the United Kingdom and the place Henry the VIII had his wives beheaded for not birthing boys. It, like many many many buildings in London was heavily damaged during World War II.

There used to be a mote around the castle... technically - I guess there still could be if it was filled with water. This is the entrance we went through for the tour.

This is the White Tower. It's a beautiful place. It's located in the center of the castle. 

There's an old saying that claims if the ravens - like the one below - leave the Tower of London, the crown will fall and Britain will fall with it. To make sure the ravens stay put, their wings are clipped and they are caged at night.

While we were touring the White Castle, Allison noticed this view from one of the windows. The Tower Bridge with it's roadway lifted for a passing vessel. 

Outside the building where the Crown Jewels are located... an armed Guardsman. 

Through that door is some serious bling. I couldn't take pictures inside but suffice it to say the crown jewels are so incredible, it's hard to even comprehend they are real.

Weather veins, weather veins - everywhere you look weather veins.

And here are the girls looking at a monument for the seven people put to death inside the Tower of London... five women, two men. Among the dead, two wives of King Henry the VIII, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Kim taking a break. 

Allison climbing the stairs of the "Bloody Tower." The Bloody Tower is built to be used as a prison. It was also believed to be the place where two little princes, Prince Edward V and his brother, the Duke of York were killed. The story is they were killed so that they would not be around to take control of the thrown. The true killer was never identified.

Apparently many bad things happened here in the Bloody Tower... nice of me to pose for a picture here, huh? I'm so uncouth.

Inside the White Tower are many items of historical significance.
Things like King Henry the V's massive sword.

And his body armor with extra protection for the 'family jewels.' HAHA!

This crystal diamond will be used in some way during the Diamond Jubilee.

A block and axe that killed people by beheading. Can't imagine living in that time. The display said a person was forced to put their chest on the block with their head hanging over the edge. Those who did the beheading wore masks so that they would not be identified by the large crowds that formed during these public beheadings. yikes.

This is a simulated weapons depot. It was really interesting to see all the old weaponry.

After the Tower of London... we took a troll down the Thames River. We were heading to the London Dungeon. Here is my beautiful sister Kimberly with the Tower Bridge behind her.

And, here is Mom and Allison with the London Bridge behind them.

London Bridge. Not nearly as sexy as the Tower Bridge.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the trip. 

London Bridge Hospital. I wouldn't mind working there.

We made it to the London Dungeon which is an attraction that explores the dark days of London's history. Things like Jack the Ripper, Bloody Mary, fires, plagues, etc. It was marginal at best.

After a quick bite to eat (and some more lager) we hopped on a river boat to make our way to Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. 

Before we hit the streets again, we stopped to pose with a London icon and to pick up some souvenirs.

Big Ben and Parliament were amazing.
So pretty and so neat to actually see up close and personal. Lots of tourists in this area!

Westminster Abbey - the place Will and Kate got married, among many other things of course. Beautiful!!! Again, wasn't able to take pictures inside, but we walked through the Abbey. It was a powerful experience. So pleasing to the eyes... and heart.

Allison in one of the Abbey's hallways. Isn't she lovely.

After Westminster, we jetted over to the British Museum. 

My favorite thing inside was the Rosetta Stone. The writing and symbols on this stone helped researchers decipher the meaning of hieroglyphs.

And... the Rosetta Stone photo bomb.

Then we grabbed a bus to take us to the play we had tickets to see that evening, the Woman in Black. We got lost and then took a cab, and then had to walk a mile or so. So I snapped some pics along the way. This is just a cute little trinket shop.

Sweet, pretty Allison!

A movie theater... 'screen house.'

The Play House where we saw our show. It was a good show, but Kim and I had a hard time keeping our eyes open - what with jet lag and everything. My Mom claims this is the longest running show in London... I don't really think she's right. Sorry, Mom.

After the show we headed to find a place to eat. The nightlife was happening!
Because it was so warm the week we were there (NO RAIN!) people were out in full force and would hang out outside the pubs mostly.

After a quick bite, we took the tube back to the hotel. Day 2 was a LONG and busy day and wonderful. We scheduled a day trip for Day 3 and we needed some rest. Some of crashed and others may or may not have gone back to the local pub for a few more lagers. More from Day 3 soon!