Day 11: Off With His Head

Most Western European nations have a tumultuous history, and England is no different. Whether through war, plague, disease, or murder, England has not escaped the worst of moments that effects mankind. I don’t think I’ve been to another place in the world that exhibits such a troubled history as much as the Tower of London.

It is ironic in a way, that such a place of torture and murder would be considered one of the premiere attractions for celebrating English history. In an essence, I am glad that the Tower of London includes such an honest look at the damaged and dramatic history of kings, queens, and prisoners.

Tower of London Entrance

Within the walls of the imposing architecture lie exhibits presenting both real and recreated artifacts that represent the best and worst in English nobility and lifestyle over 400+ years.

The Tower of London holds the Crown Jewels for England. As we passed by the four rooms filled with treasures from the crown, I honestly began feeling desensitized to gold. The quantity of gold truly represents an introspective view of the overabundance of flamboyance of British royalty. It is truly an area that shouldn’t be missed. I do wonder how many components of those jewels and crowns were taken by force from other countries over the course of the British Empire.

I think what is even more interesting is that just beyond the building where the Crown Jewels are safeguarded stand the locations where some of the most torturous activities in English history have occurred.  It is a sharp contrast and interesting juxtaposition, which I believe it really serves to exemplify some of the underpinnings of the English Empire in the 17^th - 19^th century.

 

So let’s talk about the Scavenger’s Daughter. No, I’m not talking about a young British woman, but rather a tool for torture. Imagine having your head placed on a metal bracket, while your knees sit buckled and bent right below your chin. Now imagine someone compressing that piece of metal so that your legs and head are compressed together slowly and painfully over the course of an hour. Not very fun now is it?

Isn’t it strange that this torture device is just a short walk away from some of the most well renowned jewels in all of Western Europe? This is not even taking into consideration the beheadings, deaths, and plague that have occurred within the confines of this tower. Some of the areas of the Tower of London are not for the faint of heart. 

A long walk for any prisoner