The Tower of London
started as a fortress built by William the Conqueror to strengthen his hold on London
and the surrounding area. In the thousand or so years since, the Tower has been
added to and enlarged so that it is a sprawling complex on the banks of the Thames.
It has been a royal residence, site of one of the first zoos in European
history, and the jail and execution spot for high profile prisoners such as Sir
Thomas Moore, Queen Anne Boleyn, and Sir Walter Raleigh. The Tower currently guards the crown jewels
of Great Britain.
The Yeoman Warders, dressed in Tudor period garb, run very
informative tours of the Tower of London
complex. Also, a good highlight of a visit would be a viewing of the crown
jewels. Tickets are available for the famous Ceremony of the Keys, which takes
place late at night, is available for public viewing, but application has to be
made months in advance in writing.
The Tower of London
is closest to the Tower Hill underground station. Bus routes 15, 25, 42, 78,
100 and D1 will also get you there.
Westminster
Abbey
Westminster Abbey was first built by King Edward the
Confessor in the 11th Century as a Benedictine monastery. It became
the coronation church for English Kings after Edward’s death. The Abbey was
rebuilt by King Henry III in the 13th Century. It is the final
resting place of both Mary Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I, as well as
various British notables including Chaucer, Charles Dickens, and Rudyard
Kipling. The Abbey is filled with statues, tombs, and beautiful stained glass
windows. It is open for tours Monday through Saturday.
Westminster Abbey is closest to the St. James Park and Westminster
underground stations.