The Tower of London is the place where many disfavored people were sent before being executed. Most of Henry the VIII's wives resided here for a time. It also holds the ledgend of the lost little princess. The two little boys were inline for the thrown, but were sent here, never to be seen again. There is no record of what happened to them.
It is also the place where the Crown Jewels are kept (no picture taking). In the scepter used at coronations is the largest diamond in the world. There are a number of crowns with precious stones like the Crown of India, and the Australian Crown, but my absolute favorite is the little diamond encrusted crown worn by Queen Victoria.
THIS IS TRAITORS GATE. Prisoners could be tied here and await the tide coming from the Thames River.
You may wonder why there are Ravens kept at the Tower of London. Legend says that if the Ravens are ever removed, the Tower of London will crumble to the ground.
This is the famous Tower Bridge. Rumor has it that when the city of Lake Havasu bought the "London Bridge" they thought they were getting this one.
You can go up inside the bridge and walk along the top span. They have turned the area into a museum of the history of the bridge. In the bottom on the far side is another museum that shows you the inner workings of the bridge.
This statue is in front of Buckingham Palace. The Queen was not in residence, so no afternoon tea.
GATES TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE
THE MEWS,ARE THE ROYAL STABLES. The stables house the horses and State Carriages.
The center of the Mews. Notice the helicopter in the trees. This is the Royal Helicopter transporting a "Royal". Don't know which one. The Queen was at Sandringham. The Royal color is a deep claret as is this helicopter.
The Mews has an impressive number of coaches and these are only the some of them. I wonder which one William and Kate will use.
QUEEN ALEXANDRA'S COACH
THE AUSTRALIAN STATE COACH
THE GLASS COACH
THE SCOTTISH STATE COACH
And my personal favorite ........................tada
THE GOLD STATE COACH
The coach, which weighs over 4 tons, is pulled by 8 horses. It was built in 1762 and has been used at the coronation of every monarch since. It can also be used at Royal Weddings, and the Jubilee of the Monarch. It takes at least 2 days to get it out of the building as it is too big to get out of any door. They basically dismantle a wall.
On top of the carriage are 3 gold cherubs representing England, Ireland, and Scotland.
Hope you are enjoying the trip so far.
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