The Tower of London

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Caroline has a pass to get me into the Tower of London for free, so of course, I can't pass that up! (Pun intended.) "By the way, I've been to the Tower so many times, I practically know the Beefeaters' names!" she laughs. "Sometimes, when I get off work, I'll just come here and wander around for a while. Helps me relax."

"What are Beefeaters?" I ask.

"The former-military men who live here and give the tours."

"People actually live here?"

"Oh yes! There's practically a village inside!"

"Why are they called Beefeaters?"

"No one knows for sure," she explains. "One theory is that long ago, most people couldn't afford meat. But since these men guarded the royal family in the Tower, they were given more upscale foods that royalty could afford. So the peasants spitefully called them beefeaters."

The Tower of London, which sits directly on the River Thames, is more like a castle than a tower. Originally using it as a fortress, William the Conquerer soon built a castle inside the fort. Later monarchs built further fortifications, thus creating layers of walls of different heights. In the center is William the Conquerer's huge white tower (and yes, it actually is a tower), built from stone specially imported from his homeland, Normandy. At the time, this tower was awe-inspiring. Nothing like it had ever been seen before.

It was never intended to be a residence, although some royal families did live there. During his reign, King John (the famed "Prince John" from the Robin Hood tales) kept exotic animals in the Tower. The Tudors used it as a prison and an execution spot. In fact, Henry VIII had Anne Boleyn beheaded there.

Check out the official website: Tower of London Website

Caroline and I wander around, taking pictures of everything. We see the gate which leads from the Thames to the inside of the Tower. Guards used to open the gate and let ships carrying prisoners inside the Tower, so there'd be no chance of escape. As soon as they were off the ship, they were incarcerated.

And yes--I can't believe it--we get to see the Crown Jewels in the museum. The museum inside the Tower shows a video of Queen Elizabeth's coronation ceremony and displays numerous crowns and staffs that belonged to various monarchs over the centuries.

We find the street where the Beefeaters live. "When they become Beefeaters, they move here with their entire families," Caroline explains.

"Cool!" I exclaim. "It would be so awesome to live at the Tower of London!"

She laughs, "No, not really. They lock the gates at nine o'clock each night, so you better be back inside or you're locked out. Can imagine being a teenager and having a curfew like that? Plus, people are always walking around your little neighborhood taking pictures. You'd never get a moment of peace."

"Geez, in that case, why would anyone want to do it?"

"It pays really well and they have no bills. They get to live in the heart of London, on the Thames River, and all their living expenses are covered by the Queen."

"Wow..."

I'd take the trade-off anyday.

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Photos

City of London
When people refer to "the City", they mean this small financial district of London.

Beefeater
Giving us the tour.

Beefeaters' Street
Where they live.

Crows
The Tower is famous for their crows.

More Crows
Crows have remained at the Tower for centuries. If the Tower is ever without them, it is said that the monarchy will crumble.

Jewel House
(no more photos were permitted inside)