Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London, is actually more of a castle than a tower. Among other things, it’s famous for being the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

The castle is made of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls, and a moat, which is now dry. Currently stored in the Waterloo Barracks, the Crown Jewels are one of the main attractions. No picture was allowed and the Yeomen Warders, the ceremonial guardians, make sure that everybody respects the rule—I only took a picture of the door. Pretty impressive jewels and diamonds, trust me!

There are quite a few other exhibitions highlighting the history of the Tower as a prison, as an armoury, a treasury and the national mint.

Medieval Costums
Window on the Castle
Waiting to Get In
Yeoman at the Door
Defending the Castle
English Guard
Detail of a Lamp post
Cannons
Red Coat and Buttons
Detail of an Armor
Guarding the Crown Jewels
Old and New
General
Door of the Crown Jewels
Little English Soldiers

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7 Comments

  1. Monique@She's Going The Distance July 11, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    I’ve ALWAYS wanted to go 🙂 Awesome pictures!!

    Reply
  2. shionge July 11, 2010 at 11:51 pm

    I enjoyed my Tower of London tour too and great shots once again Zhu 😀

    Reply
  3. Soleil July 12, 2010 at 12:20 am

    Great pics, as always. Brings back a lot of memories!

    Reply
  4. Tulsa Gentleman July 12, 2010 at 1:49 am

    Lots of history at the Tower of London. I enjoyed the Armoury – the collection of suits of armor worn by various characters. I hope you got pictures of the ravens – the out sized crows whose absence indicates that the Tower’s time has come. Actually they don’t have the option of flying away as their wings are clipped.

    Reply
  5. London Caller July 12, 2010 at 7:57 pm

    When you go inside the Tower, you don’t really feel like being in London sometimes!

    Reply
  6. Linguist-in-Waiting July 14, 2010 at 9:44 am

    Very nice outdoor shots! I am also frustrated whenever I cannot take pictures inside, but at the same time, I understand that taking photos do damage to the exhibits in some form.

    Reply
  7. Yogi July 18, 2010 at 8:50 am

    I loved the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels, and all that. I remember the guards were very active. They don’t like you sitting stuff down like backpacks and walking off and there are always people who don’t get that. The guards would chew them out royally.

    Lots of and lots of history.

    Reply

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