Crime and punishment: Explore the scene of the most famous unsolved royal murders, the 2 boy princes in the tower. Other celebrity prisoners include Sir Walter Raleigh (a 3 time visitor, he even has his own allotment), Rudolph Hess and a Kray twin.
3 queens in a chapel: The on site chapel is the final resting place of Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey following their executions at the Tower.
Animals: Before the zoo was invented the royal menagerie lived here for 600 years. Read about lions and monkeys taking arms and legs from visitors, a leopard attacking a cleaner and a boa constrictor who managed to strangle a keeper. A tethered polar bear was allowed to go fishing in the Thames.
Line of kings: The White Tower, a 900-year old palace turned armoury, houses weaponry, Henry VIII’s tournament armour and mini metal suit worn by a boy king.
Crown jewels: Gape, slack-jawed as you trundle on a human conveyor belt past some of the world’s largest and most valuable diamonds, including a sapphire smuggled out of the country by King James, now an integral part of the Imperial Sate crown. The jewels are in active service, coming out for coronations and state events.
Woah, epic guide! Thanks for taking the time to put together such an in depth guide!
#CulturedKids
Such a fantastic list – and delivered with your usual wit. I concur, London is brilliant with teens! My eldest has had so many amazing experiences here. I keep meaning to write my own list but one I’d add on is Leake Street graffiti tunnel, mine loves it there. Thanks for joining in with #CulturedKids
It’s not always easy to keep teens amused but London has a great variety to keep them interested. Love your post with these great ideas.
what a comprehensive guide, lots of great suggestions