I am enrolled in 2 classes that take you on tours of London. The first is Performing Arts in London and the second is called History of London. Last week we went to the Globe Theatre to learn about Shakespeare. It is located in the south bank of London (you need to cross the Thames River). The theatre that stands today is actually the third Globe Theatre. The first two were burned down (it seems to me that burning down buildings was a huge problem in London- everything I learn about was once burned down!). Since the Great Fire of 1666, London law says that buildings cannot be made of wood, Globe Theatre is an exception but they do have a lot of hidden sprinklers inside the theatre. The theatre only puts on plays starting in April because the theatre is outside.
For our second field trip in Performing Arts, we went to Theatre Land. The reason all the theatres are not located in the south bank with the Globe Theatre is because Oliver Cromwell (the common wealth - time when England did not have a king) banned theatre thinking they could have messages about bringing back the monarchy. When Charles II became King he re-opened the theatres and had women actors! We walked by some many musical theatres. They were all lit up like Times Square. It reminded me of all the musicals I want to see!
That night we went to see our first play for the class- A Midsummer Night's Dream. Our teacher was so excited for us to see a shakespearian play with all the beautiful language... I think she was very disappointed. The play was very modernized. There was lots of audience interaction, a scene with playing a video game, and beer drinking on stage! We all found it extremely funny and actually a good play. My teacher wasn't even clapping at the end. It wasn't the shakespeare she had expected.
Yesterday for my history of London class we went to Tower of London. It was a beautiful, sunny day but from my pictures you can't tell - they turned out very dark and cloudy. The tower (White Tower) was built in 1078 under the reign of William the Conquerer. Other king's added on more towers and today there are 22 towers. The White Tower is the center tower and the other towers are built around it like a wall.
White Tower - This tower contains all the armor artifacts.
Last summer they spent 2 million pounds to clean this tower from all the coal build up.
Ravens are a very important part to the Tower of London. Charles II was told that if the ravens left the Tower, the kingdom and fortress would fall. Seven ravens are kept at the Tower and their wings are clipped so they can't fly away. But they do bite so don't get too close.
People who live at the Tower now-a-days are called Yeomen - better known as Beefeaters. In order to become one you need to serve in the military for 22 years. These men (and one women) wear uniforms (do not call them costumes- they don't like that). They also give tours of the tower.
Residential area where the Yeomen live.
It was built for Anne Boleyn but she was executed before she could live there.
The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels. No photographs were allowed in this exhibit. The crowns were amazing. So many diamonds! The crowns are used in the coronation ceremony and are passed down to the next reign. These crowns have been on display since the 17th century with only one attempt to steal them.
The Tower of London has had many purposes, one being site of execution. This monument includes the names of the people executed - Queen Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, Queen Catherine Howard, Margaret Pole . Some are buried behind this monument at the Church in the Tower of London.
The last aspect to the Tower of London was the number of animals kept there. Polar Bear, Elephant, lions, and more. These animals were received as gifts to the King and were big attractions at the Tower. In 1835 the animals were moved to the London Zoo.
Now there are wire sculptures to remember the animals that once lived there.
Sounds like you can be my tour guide in London
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