Tower of London, Shakespeare and my knight.

It was a lovely start to our day crossing the Westminster bridge to set off on the Thames river to the Tower of London. If you remember, there were a number of historical figures that made this same journey knowing they would be losing their head.  Luckily,we did not have to enter by traitor's gate. 

Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas Moore, and many Catholic priests were put to death after entering through this gate. It was during the reign of King Henry VIII that the tower earned its reputation.  The tower was originally a medieval palace and consisted of a few small rooms, the much larger Kings bedroom, and a tiny chapel that was decorated  poshly for the times. 

Later, it was used as a prison, especially for traitors of the state. Many messages from Jesuit priests were carved into the stone of Salt Tower prior to their beheading. 

The Tower of London is also the home of the Beef Eaters.  They are an elite group of military men who have met a certain set of criteria. It is a high honor to be named to this elite guard.  They are extremely knowledgable about the history and rumors of the tower. 

The Tower Bridge, commonly mistaken for the London Bridge, was our next stop.  It was an engineering marvel of its time and still houses the steam locomotives that powers the draw bridge.  It is raised at least twice a day to allow taller ships to come down the river a little farther. 

The machines were gigantic and beautifully maintained. The brown trout in the Thames didn't seem to affect the operation. (No comments!)

Finally they had directions I could follow...of course they led to the gift shop. 

After the trip to the Tower Bridge we walked to the Globe Theater to immerse ourselves in a bit of Shakespeare. 

We were quite tired out and took the tube back to our lovely comfy hotel where I could dream of my tall, silent, and strong knight in shining armor.

I have no brilliant insight or musings on life meanings-as I am too tired to even think beyond my next breathe.  From this side of the pond, good night all. (Or good Knight all)