Here's another picture of the Shard.
Just one year before the fire, the city had been a victim of the Great Plague and a lot of people had already fled the city and were just starting to come back when the fire began. The fire started on Pudding Lane in a baker's shop, the maid failed to put out the ovens at the end of the night and the heat caused the ovens to ignite. Almost all of the buildings were made of wood which fed the fire along with strong winds. The heat was so bad that it melted the lead on the top of St Paul's Cathedral.
Despite all that happened, one good thing that came out of the fire, it destroyed the filthy streets associated with the Great Plague. The fire destroyed and sanitized a tributary that was basically an open sewer which led into the Thames River and carried disease. Pretty Gross, I won't be going for a dip in the Thames River ever!
As a result of the fire, the city had to be rebuilt and re-planned by Sir Christopher Wren whose name you will see all over the city.
The monument sits 202 feet from where the fire began and the top is a cooper urn that looks like flames. It's 202 feet high and you can go to the top for very little money and look out in all directions.
The Tower of London, a must see if you are ever in London. It's a lot bigger than I thought it would be and the history here is amazing.
Our tour started with our Yeoman Warder, they are like walking encyclopedias on the history of the tower And have been at the tower since King Henry VII and take part in royal ceremonies still today.
If you love Tudor history then you will love this place. These are houses that belonged to Anne Boleyn, before she was imprisoned and later killed here.
This is one of the raven's here on the property, they came up real close and look so spooky, up close.
The day we went there was a wedding taking place and lots of tourist taking pictures of the happy couple, it was a little awkward.
Tower of London is famous for it's executions, probably the most famous was King Henry VIII second wife Anne Boleyn.
Most executions were done by beheading, which was considered the most humane and swiftest death. However if the axe was dull or the executioner was not experienced it might take more than one blow. Our tour guide told us about the Countess of Salisbury who had to be struck 11 times. The heads were then displayed on a spikes on London Bridge. It felt strange standing there knowing that people were executed right where your standing and that people came from all over to witness.
Anne Boleyn and others met there death near this spot.
We witnessed a London Guard uniform inspection, honestly I couldn't stand that hat on my head or the strap that goes practically in their mouths.
Right past this area is the crown jewels, you are not allowed to take photographs or film inside. I have never seen so many diamonds in all my life. The jewels are so old and it's amazing how the actual jewels you see on the queen are kept right here and has been for decades.
I take advantage of photos with the locals every chance I get! ha! There are always curious about where we are from, most of them know where New Orleans is. But most of them want to know if we are from California.
We hit up the gift shop for Brody's sword.
The horses armor is so large, and it's hard to believe that actually put these on themselves and their horses.
This is the torture room, it made my whole body hurt just looking at some of these devices.
Tower of London was great and it was worth the money. My kids had a good time and we all learned a lot about the history of England and how this place ran, and why it was feared.
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