Tower of London

Tower of London 2018 Geoff Sutton

A visit to London is incomplete without a tour of this 1000 year-old castle by the Thames. I've been here several times over the decades of my life. I took the photo above from the viewing deck of the Shard building.

White Tower at Tower of London

The Tower was a castle built in the 1070s on orders from King William I, William the Conqueror.

Over the years, the Kings of England expanded the fortress with massive walls and smaller towers.

Yeoman Warders continue to guard the tower as they have for centuries.

Yeoman Warder Tower of London

Inside the complex is the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula. Three queens that were executed in the Tower during the 1500s are buried here: Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Jane Grey.




The Tower has long been a place of treasure. Once it was a mint. Over centuries, the royals locked their jewels in the Tower. Today, the Crown Jewels are also in the Tower vaults. My pictures are very old--you can probably find better ones online.

Imperial State Crown, Tower of London

Orb & Scepter, Tower of London

The Tower Ravens are legendary. The story has it that if the ravens leave, the kingdom will fall.

















I'll leave you with views from November 2018 when I was in London for the 100-year centenary of the end of World War I.

Tower of London, Candles, Nov 2018

I took this video of the Tower of London lit on November 5, 2018.

See more photos and videos at VISIT LONDON ENGLAND

You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases. 

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The Shard London

I walked up the steps from the London Bridge Tube station and was immediately struck by the height of The Shard. On a clear day, you will see London like you've never seen it before. The cool breeze on the open upper deck adds to the sense of adventure. In short, The Shard is an experience.


According to the website, you get 360-degree views up to 40 miles. Such a visit might even be a good starting point for a tour of the city. The viewing areas are on floors 68, 69, and 72.

Here's my view of Tower Bridge




The Tower of London looks like a miniature castle. You can see The Shard reflected in the Thames.






If you have a railway enthusiast in your group, check out this view.




You might recognize the HMS Belfast, an historic WW II battleship.





The Shard contains a hotel, offices, and restaurants. Tickets can be purchased online. Access is by high speed lifts that travel at the rate of 6 metres per second.

I visited in November so I had very little wait time. There is a security check. Refreshments are available on the viewing decks.

Consider the direction of the sun and time of day if that is a factor in what you want to see. For example, I went in the afternoon so the western sun made it diffuclt to get great photos in that direction but nicely lit up the other parts of London.  You can add a day and a night experience for an additional fee.

For details on hours, prices, and more, check out the website: https://www.the-shard.com/

You might like this fun and informative guide to British words and phrases.

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