The Tower of London has been a fortress and a prison as well as the grounds for executions. Yes, that is a picture of the executioner’s block and ax. Interestingly the beefeaters are employed for life. They are well trained and very loyal; they even live on the grounds and are not permitted to leave the premises from 6pm to 6am! I guess you have to be very loyal when you are guarding the crown jewels. The beefeater, also pictured, told our group that on one occasion the executioner was a few sheets to the wind when he showed up to perform his duties, I can’t say that I blame him! Anyways, he missed the mark a few times, just grazing the poor man’s neck. Eventually he had to finish the job by sawing off the man’s head. Then, as was the custom, the head would be jammed on a pike and put on public display, I think on the edge of London Bridge. Just a little reminder to all those entering the city that Londoners were a head above the rest. Henry the VIII of course gets the most credit for the bloodshed at the tower. He had all those lovely ladies taken to God because he didn’t have the right stuff to produce a son. I took a picture of Henry’s armor, check out that cod piece! He must have been really keen on his manliness. Also pictured are the infamous crows. Apparently they showed up some time ago because of the nice perches that the tower offered. Legend has it that if the crows leave then the U.K. will come crashing down. So now they have someone whose job it is to tend to the birds. I think there are six and, beware, they will take your finger off if you are stupid enough to get close to them!
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