LP XII--Tower of London, Cold

The weather suddenly changed, and it is now cold outside. We have had it easy until now with only one coat required and no gloves needed. Today and the rest of this week we wear layers of clothes, gloves, hat, and a scarf. It feels so bitter outside that I can understand why everyone was so angry at each other many years ago.

The Tower of London was founded and built by William the Conqueror in 1066. Used primarily as a prison, it was later used to house royalty, keep the armory, secure the treasury, house the Crown Jewels, imprison people, kill people, torture people, and guard against takeover. Built in concentric layers with the original White Tower as the center, the Tower of London stands today as a strong heritage of the past and a keeper of the Crown Jewels.

We learned more about Henry VIII and saw his armor as a 17 year old and then his armor at age 49. He grew in girth during that time to the point of being unable to sit astride a horse. His antics with his wives added to his already colorful reign as King and we were able to see the world of swords, jousting, Knights, armor, and, sadly, the place of beheadings.

Walking through the cold and the ravens, which seemed a bit angry and unpredictable, we headed up a very narrow, winding staircase and arrived in the Bloody Tower where Sir Walter Raleigh and his family were kept prisoners for 6 years. It was also in this same tower where the two sons of Edward IV were sleeping when they were sadly killed at the ages of 12 and 13. It is also the place where Henry VI was killed.

Our tour included a look at the armory, the cannons, the swords, the heads of the Kings, and the awful torture chamber. It was a quick run-through and no question that there is more to learn about this magnificent structure.

After a lunch of yogurt and bread, acquired from nearby grocery store, I headed toward Marble Arch to buy some clothes. Finding a large department store called Primark, I bought some things to combat the cold and returned to my room. Another productive and educational day in London. But after seeing the evidence and hearing the stories, I continue to be genuinely perplexed at the pain and suffering past leaders inflicted on others. Historically I suppose a ruler had to govern with an iron fist so as not to appear weak; and yet, I have to wonder if the methods pointed toward an inherent insecurity. Furthermore, if this is a human trait, I hope that our refinement in our culture today points us toward greater compassion.