Tower of London

Today Christine and I went to the Tower of London and took the tour inside. The Tower of London is located next to Tower Bridge along the River Thames and is often identified with the White Tower, but is a complex of several buildings set inside two defensive walls and a moat.

At the center of the Tower of London is the White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror.

Norman chapel inside the White Tower.

Inside the White Tower is an arsenal museum, but Christine and I found the Norman toilet more interesting.

"Ack! Would you knock next time?!"

This is the Queen's House. A guard stands outside but I'm guessing the queen doesn't live there anymore.

There have been at least six ravens in residence at the tower for centuries. Charles II was tolled of the legend that if the ravens ever left the Tower of London the entire kingdom would fall. To ensure that there are always six ravens there, the ravens' wings are clipped to prevent them from flying away, and they are cared for by the Ravenmaster.

The Tower of London has a long history of being a place of torture and execution, and is considered the most haunted building in England.

The Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London. Unfortunately, we weren't aloud to take pictures of them. The collection includes some of the world's most famous diamonds. There has only been one attempt to steal the Crown Jewels in 1671, but the plan failed.