I was faced with the choice of many guided walks or a “do it yourself “ meander. I aimed myself at a compact target and made a swift connection on "The Underground" to The Tower of London.

It is in fact a number of buildings that have grown up around "the White Tower" which was begun in the reign of William the conqueror (1066 - 1087)

The colourful Yeoman Warders (often called Beefeaters) have been at the tower since the 14th century and give helpful information to the visitors including explaining why there are always ravens around the place.

Legend has it that Charles the second was warned that should the ravens leave the tower the monarchy would fall, so now a small population of these black birds is carefully maintained.

Every now and then costumed actors would appear at Tower Green and different places and re-enact key scenes from British history such as the thwarting of the gunpowder plot to blow up parliament.

The Tower of London was a residence for Kings and Queen of England as well as being a fortress and the Medieval Palace rooms are shown as they may have appeared in the reign of Edward 1 (1272-1307.)

A chattering crowd of Dutch girls with yellow ribbons in their hair surged passed me and traded the time that could be spent absorbing British history for gazing at a young guardsman resplendent in a tall bearskin hat and scarlet tunic.



The various towers are surrounded by a series of massive defensive walls and a walk round them provides interesting views.

Beyond the western entrance lane, framed in trees you see Tower Bridge and then there is the watery and sad entrance where Traitors Gate is lapped by the River Thames, (historically the main artery of London.) If you came in that way you were most likely destined to loose you head.


Time was, when the ships used to dock by Tower Bridge, and the immigrants into England could disappear without further ado among the streets and courts of the East End, there to begin life afresh.
For more on that check out the guided walks. (You might also try doing a Google search for “London Walks” .) You will find a host of ideas, a great selection is available.

 

PLANNING A DAY OUT IN LONDON?

Encounter Guide If you are to be successful in practicing the “art of the crowded hour” a bit of preparation is necessary. To whet your appetite I would recommend one of the new Encounter guides from Lonely Planet. The London one is compact enough to fit in a large pocket and includes insider tips from locals in the know, It also has a full-colour pull-out city map to help you navigate the city with ease, a City Diary listing the best events and festivals and listings arranged by neighbourhood. Published by Lonely Planet at £6.99.

Speedboat ride on the Thames You can take a fast boat ride from Tower Pier to as far as Greenwich. You experience a magnificent view of the wonderful Tower Bridge and with the wind in your hair you get a feel of the River Thames in under half an hour. It is run in all weathers with full weatherproof clothing keeping you comfortable if needed. Great fun and fantastic value for money at £19. Flying Fish Tours Ltd, Boarding Point1, Tower Pier, Lower Thames Street, London, EC3N 4DT

report by Allan Rogers.

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