Quick Tour of Tower of London, Home to Crown Jewels, Beefeaters & Ravens (30-Second Video) by Elisa Schmitz
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The Tower of London is a World Heritage Site, drawing more than 3 million visitors a year from all over the world. I was fortunate to be able to visit the Tower in 2017, and it made a powerful impression on me.
Photos: Tower Bridge, and view of Tower of London from Tower Bridge.
Adjacent to the famed Tower Bridge, the Tower of London is a breathtaking site. But its history is even more fascinating. According to Historic Royal Palaces, William the Conqueror built the impressive stone tower at the heart of the castle in the 1070s. Today, the sprawling Tower property and history still intrigue and horrify.
Photo: Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
The Tower has served as a symbol of fear, with many royals imprisoning (and even torturing or executing) their rivals and enemies within it. Prisoners and victims, such as Anne Boleyn, wife of King Henry VIII; Lady Jane Grey; Sir Walter Raleigh; and, more recently, even German spies; were brought here and executed. Some say their ghosts still haunt the castle to this day.
Photo: The Tower Guard protect the entrance to the Crown Jewels.
The Tower is home to the priceless Crown Jewels (protected by the Tower Guard), the Yeomen Warders (also known as "Beefeaters") and the legendary ravens, who guard the castle. As the most secure castle in the country, it also has been home to the Royal Mint, the Royal Armories and even a zoo.
The Beefeaters were originally part of the Yeomen of the Guard, the monarch’s personal bodyguards (who were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted). Seven ravens live at the Tower, and these legendary protectors are cared for by the "Ravenmaster" (also a Beefeater). Legend has it that if the ravens leave, both the Tower and the kingdom will fall.
When in London, the Tower is a must-see as you get to know this world-class city.
Photos: The famed Tower ravens, and Tower of London grounds.
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