We started out with a day spent
in London. We visited the some of the must-see sites around the city. The
“Original Bus Tour” hop-on hop-off guided tour was perfect.
We started out with a day spent
in London. We visited the some of the must-see sites around the city. The
“Original Bus Tour” hop-on hop-off guided tour was perfect.
One of our main stops was The Tower of London - one of the most famous and well
preserved historical buildings in the world. From its earliest structural
beginnings by its founder William I of England, better known as William the
Conqueror 1066-87, it has been expanded
upon over the centuries since and is now maintained in the current
configuration. The Tower of London has protected, housed, imprisoned and been
for many the last sight they saw on Earth.
It has also been the seat of British government and the living quarters of monarchs, the site of renowned political intrigue, and the repository of the Crown Jewels.
The Tower of London has been the home of the British Crown Jewels since the 14th century. Still used by the Queen and her family today, the Crown Jewels are displayed for visitors. Sometimes an item will be missing from the display cases with a not that that item is being used in one of the palaces.
The absolute value of all the gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds and pearls in the royal collection is way beyond comprehension. Added to the fact that the crowns and other artefacts have all been worn and used by kings and queens of England makes one quick to realise that they, without question stand alone in their pricelessness.
Some of the guards are obvious but certainly others are hidden but effective. No one has every stolen the Crown Jewels.
Of course we stopped to see Buckingham Palace. We were not there for the changing of the guard but it was great to see this well known building.
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of Britain's sovereigns since 1837. It evolved from a town house that was owned from the beginning of the eighteenth century by the Dukes of Buckingham. Today it is The Queen's official residence.
Ruby and Joanne are seen here near the statue in front of the Palace.
Later we met with Will and Liz Bramhill, and with Peter and Angela Bramhill for dinner at Chez Gerard’s in Covent Gardens. It was a special time as the 8 of us finally met face to face. For 4 years we have communicated by email as we gathered family history. It was a great way to celebrate our achievement.
On the right Ruby is talking to Peter and on the left Elaine talks to Liz.
Will and Liz Bramhill
Peter and Angela Bramhill