Amble on a Thousand Years of History

After six hours of train ride, my friend and I were in London for the weekend. This time we visited the famous historical site, Tower of London. People came from different places stood in the queues under the torrid sun just for purchasing the tickets. Finally, we bought our tickets and entered the castle with excitement.

Tower of London - taken by Ho-An Chien

We saw the yeoman warder who also known as “beefeater” while entering the main gate. The name “beefeater” came from the reason that they were the guards who were granted by the king the right of eating as much beef as they want from the king’s table. Yeoman Warders acted as tour guides and securities at Tower of London and they were part of the attractions as well. They were not just common old men because each of them must serve in the military for at least twenty-two years before retire and own the medal of Long Service and Good Conduct.

Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) - taken from http://www.kpbs.org/photos/galleries/secrets-tower-london/

        Tower of London is a castle composed by various distinguishable towers and each of them is built in different period that served distinctive purpose. The earliest tower, White Tower, is built at the end of the eleventh century. The name has come from the fact that the tower has painted in white. Before, it served as residence to the royal. However, it holds the exhibition of weaponry and armour from different time for now. Besides the arsenal inside the White Tower, there is another royal fusilier museum located in the castle where it displays the war diaries, photographs and private letters from the wars. All the displays makes one feel like he has accidentally falls back into time. 

White Tower - taken from http://www.mummytombs.com/museums/uk.london.visit.htm

Weapons displayed in White Tower - taken by Ho-An Chien

Another popular tower with special crown jewels exhibition is named Waterloo Barrack. There has been an extremely long line for people who want to see the crowns, truncheons, swords and dining utensils made from gold. Everything in the Jewel House is gorgeous and extravagant, however, photos and videos are not allowed. Thus, I am unable to share the beautiful masterpieces even though I yearning to do so. 

Apart from the glorious history of Great Britain, I also learn the dark side from the notorious Bloody Tower. It is called Bloody tower due to several reasons. There have been two little princes missing and murdered. Then, a noble, Sir Thomas Overbury, has been poisoned. Moreover, this tower is sometimes used as a prison for important prisoners.

Jewel House - taken by Ho-An Chien

Bloody Tower - taken from http://curiosidadesaristocracia.blogspot.co.uk

Aside from the aforementioned towers, there are many more and each of them has its own stories. One of the most interesting and also haunting stories is the tale about Henry VIII's second wife, Anne Boleyn. She is accused of treason, adultery and incest. Thus, she is beheaded at the Green Tower on May 19th. Later on, many guards of different period have seen the headless queen in numerous places in the castle. The tale is so popular and wide-spread among the tourists.

River Thames and Tower Bridge - taken by Ho-An Chien

As I walked on the passage of the castle wall and looked at the direction of River Thames and Tower Bridge, the proverb “He that travels far knows much”suddenly appeared in my head. From this visit, I finally savvy the adage. I felt this tour taught me more history knowledge than a textbook would. Thus, in my perspective, Tower of London is like a living history book than just a common tourist attraction. One can actually learn more history within a few hours by walking in the castle than just sitting on a chair to study a history textbook. I think the proverb really does have its reason.