Another day in London full of amazing things to see and do!  We've figured out the tube, and have been traveling all across the city.  On Sunday, we spent the day visiting some of the most popular tourist sights in London.  We started our day at the Tower of London, a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames.  The Tower of London has played a prominent role in English history. It was besieged several times and controlling it has been important to controlling the country.   The Tower has served as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public records office, and is home to the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

One of the buildings inside the Tower of London.

 We bought tickets to walk around the inside of the tower, and learned a lot about its history.  We saw multiple exhibits, including a crown exhibit, showcasing the headpieces of rulers past, an exhibit dedicated to all of the animals that called the tower home (an elephant and tigers, to name a few), and the Crown Jewels.  We also got to watch the coronation cermony of Queen Elizabeth II that took place in 1953.  Although seeing the sparkling jewels and learning about it's extensive history was amazing, Laura's favorite part wore a red coat and a fuzzy hat: the beefeaters.  Yeoman Warders, nicknamed "beefeaters" guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels.  To qualify, all beefeaters must have served at least 22 years in the armed forces, and earned a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Laura's new friend!

After the tour of the Tower, we walked across the Tower Bridge to check out some of the London skyline.  We also got to see the HMAS Belfast in the River Thames, a battleship launched in 1938 that took place in the D-Day landings.

A good view of the Tower Bridge.

Walking across the Tower Bridge.

After our tour of the Tower and surrounding area, we hopped the tube to check out some of the most famous landmarks in London: the Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament), Big Ben, and the London Eye. 




 Despite the cold weather and gray skies, we've been enjoying the sights!

Cheers!

Laura and Bryan

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