The Tower of London

It was raining today, but I went to see the Tower of London anyway. My umbrella has become my new best friend, and I have to say, it's really not easy to walk on wet cobblestones.


This is the Tower Bridge, which I had to cross on my way from the tube station to the Tower. There was a museum in the bridge as well, but by the time I was finished with the tower I was too wet, cold, tired, and hungry to be interested in another museum.

I had intended to go to Sunday services at the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula at the Tower of London, but two of the tube lines were closed for engineering this weekend, so I couldn't use the station nearest to my residence hall, or the one closest to the Tower. With all the extra walking, the crowds, the rain, and trying to find the chapel on those giant maps like the ones in the mall, services were nearly over by the time I got there. But I did get to go inside afterward and have a look around. I wasn't allowed to take any pictures, but trust me, it's beautiful.

This is the White Tower, which was used as the armory. There were suits of armor, cannon displays, and lots and lots of guns. The exhibit on horse armor was particularly interesting.

This is the Jewel Tower, my very favorite part. I saw the largest diamond in the world (531 carats) and several different versions of royal crests and crowns and scepters, as well as some very interesting jeweled swords. This was another place where I wasn't allowed to take pictures, but it was great fun all the same.