Torture at the Tower

The Tower of London. Hated by the inhabitants of London when William the Conqueror built it.

They had a point.

Of all of London's main historical landmarks, it is the most devoid of any historical feel, replaced with an almost Disney-ish theme park atmosphere (although St. John's Chapel was relatively untouched and therefore more impressive).

I was much more impressed with the piece of Roman city wall that survives just to the north of the Tower.

Granted, the Tower is a military structure, but enough is enough. Room after room of guns, lances, armor etc ad nauseum.

Yawn.

Oh yes, the Crown Jewels. Viewed while you stand on a conveyer belt. Quick, don't blink!

I like propaganda as much as the next person, but oh boy do some take themselves seriously. To get to the Jewels, one is paraded through rooms of movies and slide shows of Royal bling..oo ah...

Or a room with seats representing all the Kings and Queens of England, as if they were all to arrive to have their Royal Boots shined.

It was not without moments of humour, like the Royal Oversized Wine Bucket, and the Royal Ladel.