The heights of London.

We had a great plan for today: the Tower of London for a couple of hours, then off to the Tate Modern before a trip on the London Eye. We never made it to the Tate Modern!

 

There was so much to see at the Tower of London, it has been a royal residence and refuge, an armoury, a prison and, first and foremost, a fortress. It is said that whoever controls the tower controls the kingdom. Over the centuries, since the 11th Century, the Tower has been added to, expanded and strengthened. It has had many famous residents and prisoners. It is the place where Anne Boleyn, St Thomas More and many others lost their heads.

The Tower of London.

We were able to visit parts of the Royal Palace, the White Tower and the Crown Jewels - an impressive collection of diamonds and other precious stones. It's amazing to think that these aren't just museum pieces, they actually play an important role in many key ceremonies to do with the government and royal family. Many of the crowns looked really heavy - I think you'd get a sore neck wearing them!

Throughout the day there are many entertaining reenactments around the Tower - a fun way to learn more about the history of the place.

Sir Isaac Newton and the King!

Tower Bridge from the Tower of London.

We also learnt about the Yeomen who guard the Tower, we were very surprised to hear that they, along with their families, actually live at the Tower and it's a real little community!

After a very long day we headed to the London Eye where we were treated to some amazing views over the city.

 

When we headed back down to earth we discovered...

And then we went in search of...

Look carefully at the street sign.

...here we found a chocolate shop, a coffee shop, a tea shop, a pub named Bonds and Tiffany & Co. Perfect!

 

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