Beware the Tower

Today our Tudor Class chatted about medieval kingship, and then visited the Tower of London, established by William the Conqueror in 1070 A.D. and expanded by later rulers, including Henry VIII.  Our Yeoman Warder "Peter the Beefeater" did an excellent job of introducing us to the history of the White Tower, Tower Green, and various fortifications. An odd highlight was the precocious raven "Merlina", who joined the tour looking for food and made unusual sounds... Word has it that if the ravens leave, the monarchy will fall, so they are well fed.

The class investigated virtually all of the medieval palace and fortress, hardly willing to stop for air and postponing lunch until after 3pm. Highlights included the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula ("St. Peter in Chains") where Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard, and Thomas More are buried, as well as exploring the stockade and personal armor of Henry VIII (we saw--and tried out-- various pikes, swords, battlements, and viewed a solid exhibit on coin making). The group learned about the famous Princes in the Tower (probably killed by Richard III) and the awesome crown jewels, featuring a 520 carat Star of Africa diamond. Various reenactments were going on, and we explored individually the White Tower, Traitors Gate, and (outside the walls) Tower Bridge and London Bridge.

People ate various meals around the city (Italian, Cornwall Pasties, Fish and Chips, Indian, etc.), and then we all took in the Monty Python musical Spamalot, having great seats in the first three rows.  The group was tangentially involved in the show, and enjoyed the spectacle as an odd approach to the topic of kingship. The second act's "Look on the Bright Side of Life" has become a course theme, apparently.

Here are some of the daily photos!

 

 

Group photo in front of London's Tower Bridge.

 

Notice that the sign reads: "St Thomas Gate"

Randall tries on a medieval helmet...

 Smiles all around save from the beefeater...

Henry VIII's armor and new body guards...