Towers, palaces and castles

London has no shortage of places for the Royals to hang their hats.  We saw the Tower of London, Kensington Palace and Windsor Castle, some constructed over a millenium ago.  At times these places were used to keep their enemies out (or, in the case of the Tower, their enemies in) or to grandly welcome friends or, sometimes, to have a respite from their royal duties.  All in all, pretty sweet cribs.

The Tower of London began construction under William the Conqueror in the early 1080s.  At the time, it would have dominated the landscape with its highest wall standing 90 feet up.  Lots of ugly stuff happened here.  The young princes, Edward V and his younger brother Richard, were imprisoned here and then mysteriously disappeared, clearing the way for their uncle, Richard III, to become king.  Of course, Henry VIII imprisoned and executed Sir Thomas More, Bishop Fisher and two of his 6 wives (Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard) at the Tower.  It's even believed that Guy Fawkes was tortured here after his failed attempt to blow up Parliament on behalf of the persecuted Catholics.

Interesting for history buffs, maybe, but the girls were particularly interested in the bling.  The Tower is where the Crown Jewels are held and, even if you're not a jewelry kind of person, they are impressive.  Like the Sovereign's Sceptre which features the 530.2 carat Great Star of Africa, the largest colorless cut diamond in the world.

Or the Queen Mother's Crown set with 2,800 diamonds, including the Koh-i-Nur diamond.  This 105.6 carat diamond originated in India and was seized when Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1877.  The diamond is said to be cursed for any man who dares to wear it.  (Reportedly, a Hindu text authenticating the diamond in the 1300s says "He who owns this diamond will own the world, but also know all its misfortunes.  Only God or a woman can wear it with impunity."  Lots of food for thought in that.  But the British, taking no chances, have only passed the Koh-i-Nur on to women.

As we left the Queen's riches behind, Sophie looked at a portrait of the young Elizabeth and noted "Looking at her makes me feel kind of insignificant."  Anna nodded and said, "I want to be queen when I grow up."

We also enjoyed Kensington Palace (where Anna got a lesson in courtly etiquette in the King's State Rooms!) and Windsor Castle (where we oohed and aahed over Queen Mary's dollhouse).  All the towers, palaces and castles are here.  We may need a few more etiquette tips before we move in.