Eight Days In London

Tower Hill

Abbey and I look both ways quickly crossing the street to the pavement.  When we got to the other side we go to the right walking all the way down to the entrance to get tickets.  When we got closer to the ticket booth to purchase tickets to gain admission into touring the Tower of London you could see the Thames River while looking to your left you can see Tower Bridge in the far distance.  We go right heading to the ticket booths to purchase our tickets.  I paid for both my ticket and Abbey's paying a total of about forty pounds. 

"Awh, you didn't have to pay for my ticket Keith..." said Abbey feeling bad about me paying both of our tickets.  The ticket lady takes my money counting it "don't worry Abbey I don't mind" I said.  The ticket lady hands me the two tickets "I'll pay you back Keith" replied Abbey.  "No, that's fine trust me" I said as both of us walk through the booth. 

I hand Abbey her ticket as she takes it "are you sure, cause I feel bad that you paid for both lunch and us touring The Tower of London..."  "I'm positive Abbey, besides this our first date is it not? So as this being our first date it's more polite that the man pays for everything the first date" I said going to an ATM machine to withdraw more cash.  Abbey sighs "you've got a point..." she stated still feeling a bit bad about me paying for our first date.  Abbey waits for me to finish operating the ATM as I withdrew two-hundred pounds. 

I put the money in my wallet as I look over to Abbey with a smile that made her smile.  "Have you ever been to the Tower of London before?" I ask Abbey as we make our way to the main entrance.  "No, this is actually my first time actually exploring the tower! I'm so excited" said Abbey.  "You know what makes it more exciting?" I asked her.  Abbey looks over to me "what?"  "Spending it with you" I replied. "I'm happy to spend this day with just you too..." Abbey takes hold of my hand as I could sense something was on Abbey's mind just by the touch of her hand in mine.  "Are you alright?" I asked her.

"Yeah, I'm fine come on let's go!" replied Abbey quickly pacing herself to the check in booth to get into the tower.  She still had my hand while she power walked to the booth.  I lost control of my feet for a second as I quickly gain control being at the ticket counter.  A lady in the booth rips a section of our tickets allowing us to go to the tower.

We walk across the bridge as we see a table in front of us along with two police officers standing by.  They allowed us in as we went through the door of the main entrance. After getting through the main entrance there was a tourist crowd of people standing around listening to the Yeoman lecture about the Tower of London.  Abbey and I stand in the crowd holding hands as the Yeoman spoke.  

"Welcome ladies and gents to her majesty's royal palace and fortress the Tower of London!" said the Yeoman tour guide entertainingly. There was one man that shouted "WOOO!" the man exclaimed.  Everyone slightly chuckles as the Yeoman spoke "good lord all of you must be American..." said the Yeoman jokingly.  I slightly smile to myself shaking my head hearing that comment.

"This tower was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England.  The White Tower is what gives the entire castle it's name built by William The Conqueror in 1078.  The castle was used as a prison since at least 1100, although that was not it's primary purpose.  As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several towers going through many phases of expansion, mainly under Kings Richard The Lionheart, Henry III, and Edward I within the twelve and thirteenth centuries.  The peak period of the castle was during the sixteenth and seventeenth century when it was used as a prison.  Many figures of history like Elizabeth I before she became queen were held within the walls and the famous phrase sent to the tower was said to many who had fallen into disgrace..."  There was a moment of silence "Now if you all dare to follow me I shall take you to the bell tower!"  added the Yeoman leading us further in the Tower's walls.