London- Wednesday

Wednesday was devoted to the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge. There is so much to be seen at the tower that it takes a good part of the day to get through it all.

You can take a guided tour from one of the famous Beefeaters and then wander on your own in the various parts of the complex. The Crown Jewels are kept here, and it is the site of executions such as Ann Bolyn. This year, there was an exhibit devoted to King Henry VIII, which was full of armor, weapons, and such.

This view of the Tower of London is from the landward side- the other side faces the Thames.

One of the Yeoman Guards or Beefeaters - one of twelve who live and work as part of the elite body of guards who have served the Tower of London.

The Traitor's Gate through which prisoners were brought via the river to the Tower for safekeeping (or execution).

Since prisoners are no longer kept at the Tower of London, the Beefeaters' job is to humor the tourists...

Cyndy and Connie at the station.....

The Tower Bridge is one of the many bridges across the Thames, and is important because the roadway can be opened to accommodate tall ships. Apparently we did not have a photo of the entire bridge, but there is a Gothic column on each side that supports the road bed and a walkway.

The walkway is up at the top level- yes, up there....and walk it we did.