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Tower of London visit

Photo Album by Leigh Allan, Cornwall England
(these photos were captured many years ago)

Beefeater - Tower of LondonThe last execution block and axe used - Tower of London Beefeater - Tower of London

The last execution block and axe used


bar divider Tower of London

Yeoman Warder Guide - aka Beefeater - Tower of London

Our Yeoman Warder Guide


(Also called Beefeater)

He told us the true story of James Scott, the illegitimate son of Charles II. Circa 1500s. He had been accused of treason and ordered beheaded in the Tower. The executioner at the time was also the town butcher and town drunk. He took not one but 5 attempts to sever the head of John Scott and finally had to finish off with his pocket knife what was hanging by a thread of skin.

From there the torso was buried in the Tower grounds but head was take to London Bridge and put on a pike for display and to warn the citizens of their fate should they commit a similar crime.

All seemed well until it was realized that although James Scott was illegitimate he was still born of royalty and there was no existing painting of him. So with great haste orders went out to exhume the body and retrieve the head from London Bridge immediately!

Summoned quickly, the royal surgeon was instructed to sew the two parts back together. Meanwhile the court painter was called in. He said he could have the portrait finished within a few days, but was informed he had 24 hours to complete it or suffer the same fate! The head was getting quite ripe.
A scarf was tied around Scott's neck to hide the stitches and the portrait was made.
Immediately after the last brush stroke was applied the body was removed, torso going one way and the head returned to London Bridge.

 

Portrait of James Scott  - Tower of London

Portrait of James Scott

Guarding the Crown Jewels - Tower of London
Guarding the Crown Jewels

The White Tower - Tower of London

The White Tower

contains displays from the Royal Armouries'
collection and more.

The Ravenmaster

Legend has it that should the ravens
ever leave the Tower of London
the White Tower will crumble
and a great disaster
shall befall England.

There are always at least 6 ravens
at the tower at all times

The Ravensmaster - Tower of London

Tower Green,

providing accommodations for
Tower of London officials for 300 years.

At present, at least 150 people live
and work in the Tower of London.

A guard stands at attention.

Tower Green - Tower of London
Henry VIII's Armour - Tower of London
Henry VIII's Armour
Armour - Tower of London
Armour for the Earl of Southhampton - Tower of London
Armour for the Earl of Southhampton
Armour for princes - Tower of London
Armour for princes
Armour for a giant and the other is said to be a model - Tower of London

Armour for a giant and...
the other is said to be a model

gaunlets - Tower of London
Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge
The oratory in St. Thomas's Tower, the king's private hall - Tower of London
The oratory in St. Thomas's Tower, the king's private hall
Crest of the Monarchy - Tower of London
Crest of the Monarchy
Small canons - Towerof London
Small canons
Tower of London
Elizabeth I - Tower of London
Elizabeth I
Wooden heads. Of the executed?  Tower of London
Wooden heads. Of the executed?
Henry VIII and his armour - Tower of London

Henry VIII and his armour
Henry VIII and his armour - Tower of London


Horses and armour of Kings throughout the ages  - Tower of London
Horses and armour of Kings throughout the ages
Horses and armour of Kings throughout the ages  - Tower of London

Armour for King James I - Tower of London

Armour for King James I

Top


Inscriptions on the wall of the holding cell for aristocratic prisoners
One of the treasured ravens - Tower of London
One of the treasured ravens
Upper chamber of the Wakefield Tower
Upper chamber of the Wakefield Tower
built for Henry III
between 1220 and 1240 AD
The grounds of the Tower of London
The grounds of the Tower of London
A view of Tower Bridge from, if I remember correctly, the Bloody Tower

A view of Tower Bridge from, if I remember correctly, the Bloody Tower
Weapons of destruction -Tower of London
Weapons of destruction -Tower of London

Weapons of destruction....for men?
Weapons of destruction -Tower of London
Weapons of destruction -Tower of London
Morning Glory - weapon (left)

Beefeater - Tower of London

 

There's more, keep going.....

 

Visit the birthplace of King Arthur -magical Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle magical door

 

 

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We hope you've enjoyed your visit

Photos by Leigh Allan 2024

to Ravensbreath

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