Oct. 2, 2018
Today’s trip began with the Tower of London. I think we ventured into every room we were allowed. We had awesome views of Tower Bridge. We gazed at the Crown Jewels. Not sure why, but one of my favorite rooms to see is the torture room, called the Bloody Tower and I go see it every time.
William the Conqueror built the White Tower. It was a prison from 1100 -1952. If I remember correctly they killed less than 10 prisoners in this tower. The rest were relocated and executed at Tower Hill. The Hill was close to Bloody Tower and just slightly over 100 people were executed at that location.
Anne Boleyn was a prisoner here and eventually beheaded in 1536. She was the 2nd wife of Henry VIII and since she didn’t provide him with a male heir, she was found guilty of treason and adultery. It is said that King Henry VIII was so angry at Boleyn that he had a sword used verses a sharp axe.
The torture devices include: The manacles – where a prisoner was hung by their wrists with their arms above their head. The Rack – A prisoner’s wrist are attached to the top roller and their ankles to the lower rollers. Then these were slowly pulled in opposite directions until the joints were dislocated. The Scavengers’ daughter – This basically squishes the prison while in a kneeling position.
Westminster Abbey
Every coronation of the British have been here at the Abbey since 1066. William the Conqueror was the first. Many Royal weddings have taken place here such as Prince Andrew and Fergie and Prince William and Kate.
Inside are many people of royalty buried inside the Abbey itself. Other prominent people were buried in the cloisters (hallways). There is an area that has famous musicians, poets and authors, called the Poet’s corner. Mom found William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and Sir Isaac Newton. There is tomb of the Unknown Warrior. I just learned that the royal brides have a tradition of having their wedding bouquet placed at this site. I cannot find the picture of the Unknown Warrior. I thought I took one, but then again maybe we weren’t allowed to and that is why I can’t find one.
No Ordinary Trip 