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Exploring the Tower of London is a should on any London itinerary, whether or not you’re an area Londoner or a first-time customer.
And who higher to shed some mild on a number of the lesser identified information than the Chief Yeoman Warder (aka, the Head Beefeater)?
Now’s the time to tour this thousand-year-old citadel, study its fascinating historical past, and admire the unimaginable artifacts, with out the crowds.
What would possibly shock somebody — even, dare we are saying, a born and bred Londoner — in regards to the Tower of London?
The Tower of London was based in 1066, making it nearly 1,000 years previous. Its official title is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, however that’s fairly a mouthful, whether or not you’re an area Londoner or not. It takes its title from the White Tower, the place you’ll see the Royal Armoury’s assortment, together with the Line of Kings. This show boasts over 500 examples of armor and is the world’s longest-running museum show — over 350 years, in reality.
As you tour the grounds of the citadel at your individual tempo, you’ll hear tales from the Yeoman Warders about its bloody historical past and royal intrigue. The Yeoman Warders are ceremonial guards who’ve been guarding the Tower for the reason that time of Henry VIII. As you discover the grounds, you’ll be able to take heed to them inform tales of how the Tower has served as a palace, jail, and fortress. Do you know that within the 13th century it was house to a polar bear? Be taught in regards to the legend of the ravens which might be saved on the grounds, too.
Our tip: Be amazed by tales about coronations, executions, and daring escapes.
And what of the Crown Jewels?
The Crown Jewels is a really spectacular show of treasured gems. An unimaginable 23,578 gems are displayed in crowns, scepters, and different royal regalia. Due to the varied well being and security measures presently in place, it signifies that the Tower is just not as crowded as traditional. As well as, the one-way strolling system signifies that you’ll have the ability to see these fabulous jewels at leisure.
Though some areas of the Tower aren’t open proper now, there are new areas which were opened to the general public for the primary time, equivalent to Tower Inexperienced.
Our tip: Keep in mind to take a while having fun with the views of the River Thames from the Tower’s Wharf.
How a lot part of London life is it?
One of many many desirable information, that even many native Londoners don’t know, is that there are 45 households who reside completely throughout the partitions of the Tower of London… it’s its personal residing village within the coronary heart of town! It has a health care provider, two Chapels Royal, and even a pub known as The Keys. Each evening after the Ceremony of the Keys at 9:30 PM, they’re locked inside until the following morning. The Ceremony of the Keys can also be the oldest army ceremony on the planet, because it has taken place each evening for the previous 700 years.
Guests can relaxation assured that many measures have been put in place for security and hygiene. Some areas just like the Battlements and the Bloody Tower aren’t open [to comply with social distancing measures], however others are open for the primary time (like Tower Inexperienced). Hand sanitizers can be found all through the location, there’s loads of house for social distancing, and admission numbers are saved low. All tickets are occasions, and there at the moment are morning and afternoon time slots on your go to.
Our tip: the afternoons are quietest.
Whether or not it’s your first go to to the Tower, otherwise you’ve been numerous occasions, there’s all the time one thing new and interesting to discover.
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