Continuing on with my London theme, if I had to name my favourite historical landmark from my visit to jolly old England (although I didn’t get a chance to see everything of course), I would hands down say it was the Tower of London. I love history, especially the medieval time period, and this is one place that is just steeped in history. In fact, it has something for everyone! There’s architecture that ranges from 11th century to 16th century (I think?), the Crown Jewels, Tower Green where people of high rank were executed including Anne Boleyn, spectacular royal armour and weapons, the Medieval Palace and the impressive White Tower, and the famous Yeoman Warders popularly known as the Beefeaters.
Again, fascinating facts abound. Included in the favourite sites at the Tower of London are the ravens. There are seven ravens at the Tower today (the required six plus one spare), and they are cared for by a Yeoman guard called the Ravenmaster. Legend says that if the ravens ever leave the Tower, the great White Tower will crumble and a terrible disaster will befall England. So, Charles II decreed that there must always be at least six ravens in the Tower, and this tradition has continued to present day, and so as not to tempt fate, their wings are clipped. The closest they’ve ever came to being absent was during WWII when the Tower suffered heavy bombing and only a single raven remained (called Grip). Hmmm, interesting since England did face a lot of destruction in WWII, and there were times when some thought they might fall to the Germans!!
Unfortunately, we were not at the Tower for long enough, and I did not get any pictures of the ravens. However, this is one of my favourite photos from our visit. I’m not sure of the name of this particular tower, but I love the perspective looking from the bottom towards the top. If I ever get back to London again, the Tower of London will be first on my list to visit because there are many parts I still want to explore! I would highly recommend you try to see it too if you ever get the chance.
photos from the loonybin 
I haven’t done a tour there yet. Now I know about the ravens! I can quiz the tour guide about it.
Oh you must go. It’s amazing!! They even have replica crowns that you can buy so that everyone will think you are royalty! 🙂
I was there last year. I never knew about the ravens until my visit to the Tower.
Nice side-note; you won’t believe how many movies I’ve seen since then with the Tower of London in them. Now I can annoy my daughter by shouting, “I was there!!”
That’s so funny! I have had that happen too. When I got home from my trip, it seemed like every time I was watching TV or a movie, I would see a famous landmark in England. I guess because that was my first trip to Europe, it is still very exciting to say, “I was there!!”
I love the perspective and the details in the stone here. Great shot!
Thanks for the compliments. I really appreciate it!!
It must be fun to visit the tower. I like the photo. I didn’t know about the ravens.
It was definitely fun!! I just wish I could have stayed longer and explored more. Glad you liked the photo!!
Oeeeee…. interesting facts!!!! & I’ve never been to TOL…. have seen it from outside, but somehow always decided it can wait for later!!! 🙂 **
Next time don’t wait – it’s definitely worth the visit. And like I said above, you can even get a replica crown so everyone will think you are royalty! LOL. 🙂
Love your blog! The tower of London…someday..sigh
You sound the way I used to sound – that I would never travel and see these wonderful sites. Don’t worry – you will get there someday. I had this opportunity fall in my lap, and I jumped at it!! Very worth it!
I have been looking around your blog and I think it’s wonderful. I love this one about the ravens and the Tower, and so many of your other posts. So I’m passing forward to you The Versatile Blogger Award. If you already have it, that’s o.k., because I just want you to know how impressed I am. For details on the Award go to my blog at http://notesfromtheblogusfear.wordpress.com and look for the post called Promoting Pride in Blogging. Congratulations! Dor
I feel so bad for not thanking you before now, but I really appreciate you nominating me for this award. I will be acknowledging it on my blog tomorrow (Feb. 16th)