Off With Their Heads

The Tower of London was truly interesting. The history of the place is both fascinating and morbid. It is also odd to see something from the 11th century nestled among glass skyscrapers and modern buildings. The tour given by the Yeoman Guard, or Beefeaters as they are affectionately known is a must. Brody got a little bored, but it was cool to have a quick-witted tour guide give you bits of historical information that is entertaining and in that British trademark dry humor.

We climbed all the towers, kept our distance when viewing the resident carnivorous ravens and were dazzled by the Crown Jewels. Georgia had her eye on a 530 carat diamond and was really studying the crowns--designing one in her head for herself, I am sure. All of us examined the chain mail, held a crossbow and tried on a helmet that was a least five pounds or more.

Up in the tower where prisoners were kept, there were quite a few examples of stone carvings by the condemned whiling away their time. There was also a Henry VIII exhibition that really captivated our attention. The kids tried out string bows, saw how armor worked and checked out all sorts of hand weapons and cannons.