As I prepare for my upcoming journey to London, I am filled with anticipation fueled by a lifelong passion for English history. One of my areas of interest includes the period spanning from the turbulent times of John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford to the tumultuous Tudor era. The prospect of visiting historic sites tied to pivotal events and illustrious figures, such as the Savoy, the Peasants’ Revolt, and the Wars of the Roses, fills me with excitement.
I’m so excited about visiting the Tower of London again! It’s absolutely one of my favorite places in London. The last time I was there, I came back with loads of wonderful memories and a newfound appreciation for the Beefeaters. I can’t wait to explore The White Tower, known as the most famous castle keep in the world. It was built to awe subdue and terrify Londoners and deter foreign Invaders. It is a symbol of London and Britian worldwide. I am really excited to visit the Battlements and Towers. These towers held prisoners from the famous Princes in the Tower to Thomas Moore and Bishop Fischer, Elizabeth I, and Lady Jane Gray. The Tower Green and Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula are places of memorial, and as we visit them, we will remember the people who were executed and buried in the chapel.
Please remember the text below:Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace beckon with promises of grandeur and echoes of Henry VIII’s storied reign. These palaces, each with their unique charm and historical significance, offer glimpses into the lives of monarchs like Henry VII and his notorious son, Henry VIII, and their respective queens—Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Parr, and the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey. I hope to also visit the tomb of Henry VII and Queen Jane Seymour in the Chapel.
At Westminster Abbey, I look forward to standing among centuries-old tombs and memorials, admiring the craftsmanship of the Tudor monuments, and contemplating the tumultuous events that shaped England’s religious and political landscape.
The National Portrait Gallery, with its extensive collection of Tudor-era portraits, promises to bring faces to the names that have fascinated me since my early studies. It’s a chance to see the likenesses of key figures in English history, from the Yorkists to the Tudors.
In exploring Blackfriars and Spitalfields, I hope to uncover traces of everyday Tudor life amidst the bustling streets and ancient structures that have stood witness to centuries of change. I hope to also walk the streets around where Austin Friars had been and to walk the same streets as Thomas Cromwell.
As I set out on this solo adventure, I am eager to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of English history. From the grandeur of palaces to the intimate details of daily life, each site holds a piece of the puzzle that is Tudor England. I eagerly await the stories they have to tell.