London Landmarks - Tower of London

London Landmarks - Tower of London

15 March, 2011
by: Spoonfed Team

Pretending to be a princess at the Tower of London?

Value: 7
Queues: 6
Shop: 5
Family Friendly: 10
Enjoyment: 7

Total: 35/50

The Tower Of London has become just another part of the city's landscape. We're so used to its presence, tucked into its spot beside Tower Bridge, that our eyes skim over it unseeingly and we forget to marvel at the ancient turrets. It was built (or started) in 1066 for goodness sake. And, most famously, it contains the Queen's bling.

Visiting an old castle thrusts you into imagination overdrive. I sashay into the grand entrance feeling already like a princess (or wench) from the middle ages. “Good day!” a fellow wench in authentic costume calls down from the tower wall as I climb the stone steps to the medieval tower. Entering Edward I's actual chamber, and I'm pretty excited. I keep thinking about the king and his posse and what they were all doing in those times, without Spotify and YouTube. You get to touch the cloth that was used on the king's bed. He ordered a “feather mattress for the quilt of a queen” with bedspreads woven from silk and wool. It's far superior to my own linen.

Visiting such a tourist draw in the week, on a grey (atmospheric) Tuesday afternoon means that it's not too busy. And the crowd dribbles out of the King's chamber, leaving me totally alone. There's a special thrill being alone in this ancient room, peering out the windows, imagining an attack.

“In case of attack, gather on the wooden platform. Familiarise yourself with your equipment. Without you, this castle is just a building, with you it's a war machine,” reads the sign at the exit to Lantham Tower. Thrilling battlefield sounds resound: clashing of spears, lances, screams.

Out in the forecourt, and just in front of where the Crown Jewels are stored, a collection of soldiers in bearskin hats are parading around, followed by a huge crowd of excited tourists. I dart through the middle and into the “most secure room in the tower”. I expect to be frisked or at least given a stern stare but I slip in with my Swiss army knife undetected.

This is the bit I am looking forward to the most. I tiptoe towards the place where the jewels are housed. “The Crown Jewels of England, potent symbols of monarchy, have been safeguarded at the Tower of London for centuries.” Wow. You can see the genesis of 'crown fashion', beginning with Harold II's simple gold circlet, which could have come straight from the set of Blackadder, to Victoria's resplendent imperial crown. There are some impressive stats – George VI had over 12,000 diamonds in his crown, and over £65 grand's worth were hired. His crown is obviously housed in the 'empty crowns' section. There's a conveyor belt taking people past the Crown Jewels, ensuring people don't become transfixed by the shiny things and linger too long. Jewels. Tick.

Passing through a room which lists each king and queen in order, carries their crest and how long they reigned highlights just how appalling my knowledge of history is. Lines from an early obsession with Blackadder are still echoing in my head. It's interesting to observe that the line of the monarchy links us directly with the days of boiling oil and sword fights. The fact that the queen still wears a crown to conduct her important business makes me realise more about her relevance and symbolic value as head of state. Back in the days of fights for the throne the king would more likely be killed than die of old age. Some of them ruled for a year before getting offed.

I learn some interesting facts; the Tower of London housed the first edition of London Zoo. It was popular to give exotic animals as royal gifts. George IV was given a grizzly bear which he called Martin. (Soon changing to 'Old Martin' as the bear was fairly long in the tooth.) King Louis of France gave Henry III an elephant - not the best idea for a pet as it died 2 years later. After meandering through the White Tower and the weapons section I do get slightly tired of being pumped full of history. Three hours as a middle ages princess is enough for me.

Tally-ho.

The Tower is open every day except 24th - 26th December and 1st January. An adult ticket to the Tower is £19.80, or £17.00 if you book online. There are group discounts and family tickets available.

For more information visit the Tower of London website.
Click here for London tourist events

Spoonfed Team