Did You Know? The Tower of London is home to a collection of ravens. The superstition is that, should the ravens ever leave the Tower, London (and the Empire) will fall. Therefore, these pampered birds are protected and have their wings clipped to prevent flying away. Not that they'd want to, mind you. They have their own Yeoman Warder Ravenmaster to feed and care for them. They are admired by visitors galore. When they die, they get a grave in their own graveyard (just inside the gate leading out to the embankment by the river). Be advised, however, that ravens are not friendly. No doubt, your Yeoman Warder tour guide will tell you they have a nasty temperment and a bite to match.

What is now the London Zoo began here with a collection of exotic animals given to monarchs. The Zoo moved to its present location (Regents Park) at the insistence of the Duke of Wellington (pleading with Queen Victoria) after a lion bit one of his men stationed in the Tower.

Once upon a time, the Queen's House was where Anne Boleyn stayed while waiting for her Coronation at Westminster Abbey.  It is also where she stayed while awaiting her execution.  Her daughter, as Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I), was incarcerated in the Queen's House some years later, imprisoned by her sister, Queen Mary (Bloody Mary).

Admission To The Tower: The Tower is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Adult admission is £11.50, seniors (60+) £8.75. Combination tickets which include Hampton Court and/or Windsor Castle are also available, useful if you're staying some extra days.

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