With so much focus on the Royal family right now, it is little wonder that people have taken more of an interest in the royal history of the UK. There are many places around the country that have a lot of history with the Royal family, but London is likely to be one of the top tourist attractions when it comes to visiting the historic royal places.
Of course, the Tower of London is one of the most interesting and visited attractions, and it is a place where you can discover a lot about the intriguing history of the Royal family through the Centuries. Here are some of the things that people come to see and learn about…
Home of the Crown Jewels – Since 1661, the crown jewels have been displayed at the Tower of London. Of course, a vast and priceless collection of jewels are under armed guard, but visitors are able to see them, unless they are being used in a ceremony, like the recent coronation of King Charles III or the state opening of parliament. The jewels symbolise the authority of the Royals to lead the country.
The Royal Menagerie – Animals have always been intriguing and loved by humans, and animals are often depicted in art like this animal sculpture. As you wander around the tower you will notice that there are many animal sculptures around, but did you know that these are in tribute to animals that actually lived here in the past? The tower of London was once home to the Royal menagerie, a place where kings and queens kept a collection of exotic animals, including monkeys and lions!
The Ravens of the Tower – One of the most popular attractions of the tower are the famous ravens. For centuries ravens have been kept at the tower due to the fact that it is said the Kingdom will fall if the ravens were ever to leave. These intelligent birds are kept at the tower in order to protect the kingdom, and many visitors come to meet them!
The Tale of Two Princes – The tower of London has also had a grisly past and was used to torture criminals – most famously of all Guy Fawkes. It is also where it is said that two princes, Edward V and his brother Richard, were locked in the tower by their Uncle Richard III, and where they died.