The Tower of London

            The Tower was built by William the Conqueror. He beat Harold, his brother-in-law at Hastings in 1066 and built a number of forts around England to protect the kingdom. In 1078, he destroyed the fort and began to build a huge fortress on the north bank of the Thames. The tower took 20 years to build and has walls up to 15 feet (ft) thick (nearly 5 meters). It is 100ft high, and is protected by a wide dich, a wall and of course, the river. The tower was intended to hold prisoners and also to show power and strength.

The tower has been home to many monarchs over the years. It was King Henry III who first improved the tower in 1240 when he converted it into a palace, and place lions near the drawbridge to impress his guests. Henry VII lived in the tower from 1485 after killing Richard III. He formed a personal boyguard called the Yeomen warders, who still protect the tower to his day.In 1063, the tower began to house the royal jewels where they are still displayed for visitors.

The relatively modern Tower Bridge is directly in front of the tower, and most summer visitors do not know that there is also a beach next to it.

                                                                           (www.london33.com)

Queen Elizabeth II.

The Queen was born in London on 21 April 1926, the first child of King George VI and Queen Eizabeth. Her father succeed to the throne in 1936. On 6 February 1952, while on a royal tour of Kenya, she heard the news of her father’s death. The Coronation took place on 2 June 1953 in Westminster Abbey. It was attended by representatives of the House of Commons, the leaders of the Commonwealth countries and leading citizens of foreign states. The ceremony was broadcast by radio throughout the world and also on television.

Her Majesty married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten on 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey, and in 1997 they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. The Royal couple has four children, and six grandchildren.

In 2002, the Queen celebrated 50 years since her accession to the throne. This historic milestone has only been achieved by four earlier British rulers -  King  Henry III, King Edward III, King George III and Queen Victoria.

                                                                            (na.visitlondon.com)