The London Tower began with William the Conqueror, when he and his army landed in England from France in the year of 1066. In 1078 he started to build the Tower of London.
Now, nine hundred years later, this famous castle --- which was already a prison for famous personalities as Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's second wife), Sir Walter Raleigh and even the Queen Mary of Scotland (also known as Bloody Mary) --- cousine of Queen Elizabeth I.
Nowadays, it is the place where the Crown Jewels are kept. There are eight crowns; there are also a lot of jewels in the jewel room. In fact, the Crown Jewels are the biggest tourist attractions in London.
People go there to see the big crows which have lived at its yards since centuries ago, besides of course the Beafeaters --- the ceremonial guard of London Tower --- an institution, which is 552 years old. The London Tower broke its conservatism when for the first time a woman was admitted as a Beefeater, and her name is MOIRA CAMERON (photo below), a nice 42–year-old Scottish woman!! Moira did her part in the English army for more than 20 years during her military career; but to be admitted she had to win five men.
Now, nine hundred years later, this famous castle --- which was already a prison for famous personalities as Anne Boleyn (Henry VIII's second wife), Sir Walter Raleigh and even the Queen Mary of Scotland (also known as Bloody Mary) --- cousine of Queen Elizabeth I.
Nowadays, it is the place where the Crown Jewels are kept. There are eight crowns; there are also a lot of jewels in the jewel room. In fact, the Crown Jewels are the biggest tourist attractions in London.
People go there to see the big crows which have lived at its yards since centuries ago, besides of course the Beafeaters --- the ceremonial guard of London Tower --- an institution, which is 552 years old. The London Tower broke its conservatism when for the first time a woman was admitted as a Beefeater, and her name is MOIRA CAMERON (photo below), a nice 42–year-old Scottish woman!! Moira did her part in the English army for more than 20 years during her military career; but to be admitted she had to win five men.
The Ceremony of the KeysBeefeaters close the Tower at 9:53 PM exactly. The soldiers give the keys to the Governor of the Tower, who will carry the keys on a velvet cushion escorted by the Beefeaters. The Beefeater who carryies the lantern stops at the gate in front of the sentry and they say the same words every evening :
Sentry: Who comes there?
Beefeater: The Keys.
Sentry: Whose keys?
Beefeater: Queen Elizabeth's keys.
Sentry: Pass, Queen Elizabeth's keys. All s well.
Beefeater: God save the Queen!!
Sentry : Amen !!
Then the Governor of the London Tower closes the tower at 10:00 PM.
Nota do editor: para ver imagens da Torre de Londres, clique no título desta matéria ou aqui.
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário