So it's Watchman duty for me tonight, but at least I had a good vantage point to see the firework display outside the Sally Port
@TowerOfLondon
. Happy New Year everyone, cheers🍺
35 years ago, 2 young men embarked on careers in the
@RAF_Regiment
and serve together several times, starting at 27 Sqn RAF Leuchars. Little did I or
#Paul
"fraggle" Langley know that one day we would both become Yeoman Warders
@TowerOfLondon
Today I was finally sworn in as a member of the Kings Sovereign Ceremonial bodyguard at St. James's Palace. I was joined by members of the Yeoman Body and following the ceremony lunch was had at the RAF Club. Thanks to all
@BeefeaterDave
@spike_abbott
@danbensonxix
@TowerOfLondon
One of the perks of living and working
@TowerOfLondon
is that it gives you the opportunity to take in sights such as the magnificent
@TowerBridge
at night.
It's been a tough night shift for our Xmas Beefeaters guarding the Kings House on Tower Green
@TowerOfLondon
. But in typical Yeoman Warder fashion, they have fought through adversity 🙂.
On this day 1963, one Thomas Reilly from Dundee (of no known Royal or noble blood) was born. Oh wait, that's me....Well happy birthday to me then I suppose. 😉🤣🎂🍻
For all that have shared, retweeted, sent thanks and good wishes. Thank you. Its good to know that there are so many decent and caring people out there.
Today, Yeoman Warder Tracey Machin was sworn in as a member of His Majesty's Body of the Yeoman of the Guard in Extrodinare at St James's Palace. Congratulations, Tracey, and welcome to the Body.
People often ask if I've seen ghosts
@TowerOfLondon
. Now I'm not one to believe in such things but I do think that the ground floor of the Salt Tower has an atmosphere about it...don't ask me why it just does.
All is quiet and serene before the buzz of another busy day
@TowerOfLondon
. The team here are poised ready to meet our visitors. If you're joining us today, why not stop and say hello.
Tucked away on the upper floor of The Bell Tower
@TowerOfLondon
is this toilet. Said to have been installed to provide "relief " for a very important prisoner should he have been arrested. That prisoner...one Adolf Hitler.
This is the scene at the entrance points to 2 of our countries most famous landmarks
@TowerOfLondon
and
@TowerBridge
, absolutely disgusting. Not only is it a health hazard, but is this really the image we want our visitors to have of us
@TowerHamletsNow
(1)Sir Walter Ralegh's quarters in the Bloody Tower
@TowerOfLondon
. He was imprisoned for nearly 13 years here, the 2nd of his 3 incarnations at the Tower. Pardoned in 1617 and rearrested in 1618 on original charge of Treason, post failed expedition to find the gold of El Dorado.
It's a tad windy this morning, but we're ready and raring to go here
@TowerOfLondon
. Lots for our visitors to see and do today. Look forward to meeting you.
To all that have taken the time to follow me in 2022,thank you for your comments and support. I hope you and yours have a great festive period, and if Xmas is a difficult time for you, it is peaceful.
During the recent swearing in of one of my Yeoman Warder colleagues at St. James's Palace, I manage to snap this of the magnificent stain glass window in the chapel. Depicting the countries of the Commenwealth it's a bit special.
After a couple of weeks off its good to be back
@TowerOfLondon
. The weather might be a bit grim, but as always,
#beefeaters
will be on hand to welcome our visitors.
Water lane
@TowerOfLondon
with the Wakefield Tower most prominent on the right. Did you know that the river Thames washed up as far as the inner wall until the completion of the outer wall in 1280, hence Water lane.
Following the end of Official Court Mouring at
@TowerOfLondon
the Yeoman Warder tours are back in full swing. Here we see
@BeefeaterDave
starting his at the Middle Tower whilst at the same time YS John Donald entertains his crowd at Traitors Gate.
The Queens stairs leading to the river Thames
@TowerOfLondon
This was one of two waterside entrances into the Tower, the other being the Cradle Tower. The Queens stairs led to the Byward Postern or Sally Port Gate, where royalty and nobility would enter.
Well, this is interesting. Luckily there is an abundance of supplies in the Reilly household at the moment, so if snowed in, we'll be okay for a few weeks 😁
UPDATE:
@ryan_barnett
. Is now on the next stage of his Story trg
@TowerOfLondon
, Traitors Gate. It's a tricky one as there are so many tales to tell from here, the Wakefield Tower and, of course, the Bloody Tower.
On retirement, one of our Yeoman Warders asked me to continue his good work of looking after the small rose garden outside our houses in The Casemates
@TowerOfLondon
. Now, I'm no Alan Titchmarsh, so hopefully it's going okay.
Morning all. A decent start to the day here
@TowerOfLondon
, but with showers expected,if you're visiting us today,I would recommend bringing a brolley.
#amatuerrmeteroligist
The Byward Postern or Sally Port entrance
@TowerOfLondon
. Over 700 years old, it reeks of history. It was used, as was the Cradle Tower, as the private entrance for royalty and nobility.
Early start today and a chance to take in the southern side of The White Tower here
@TowerOfLondon
set against gloomy sky lit by the lights of "the city" to the north. Is that a ghostly figure or a trick of the light at that window🤔.
UPDATE: My mentee
@ryan_barnett
successfully passed his 1st Yeoman Gaoler
@TowerOfLondon
"Story " test (The Chapel). He is now on the 2nd phase of learning and development of the Towers illustrious history and is progressing nicely. We'll done mate.
At 1100 today, on duty Yeoman Warders
@TowerOfLondon
will gather at our garden of remembrance and informally remember the minute the guns fell silent to signal the end of WWI. We will remember those who sacrificed so much in the defence of our country and its values.
Opening up the Towers South Battlements this morning. Looks like it's going to me a lovely day. Looking forward to seeing our visitors at the Tower of London throughout the day.
The Portcullis in the Bloody Tower
@TowerOfLondon
. It's over 700 years old, weighs over 2.5 tonnes, and before the windlass pulley mechanism was fitted, it is reported that it took 30 footmen to raise and lower it.
So,
@ryan_barnett
successfully passed his Yeoman Gaoler progress check at Traitors Gate
@TowerOfLondon
, a huge milestone. He is now his penultimate block, the Broadwalk Stairs. Here the origins of the White Tower and tales of torture in the dungeon are explained. Nearly there!!
This piece of wall
@TowerOfLondon
looks fairly bland, but it is, in fact, part of the old Roman wall of Londinium built in the late 300AD's. It formed part of the towers' riverside defences until the outer wall was completed in 1280.
It's a chilly day
@TowerOfLondon
, but the evervesant
@beefeater407
is keeping the crowds warm with tales of torture,murder, and execution (among other things) at Traitors Gate.
In the Bloody Tower
@TowerOfLondon
you can see and hear the story of the 2 young prince's. The uncrowned King Edward V & his brother Richard Duke of York (aged 12 & 9). Both of whom disappeared when living in the Tower in 1483. What do YOU think happened to them.
So we did the sunset the other day, now here is the sunrise at the north end
@TowerBridge
and of course our own little watering hole "The Keys"
@TowerOfLondon
. Have a great day, everyone.
The Bloody Tower
@TowerOfLondon
. Originally the Garden Tower, it gave access to Lieutenant of the tower's garden. It was renamed after William Shakespeare wrote his play Richard III, in which he called it "the tower of blood". The Tower has a fascinating and colourful past.
As some will know, all of the Yeoman Warders live
@TowerOfLondon
. This affords us some magnificent and unusual views from our houses. This is mine from my living room looking out into the eastern side of the towers moat.
It was the annual Yeoman Warder Xmas lunch
@BeefeaterLondon
this afternoon. As always, we were looked after in fine style, and all had a great time. Thank you, Desmond, and the rest of the team.
The lower chamber of the Salt Tower
@TowerOfLondon
. Built as part of Henry III inner curtain wall in the late 1320s, it looks very much like it would have done 800+ years ago.
Taken this evening on the Wharf. It shows all dimensions of the fortress that is
@TowerOfLondon
. William's Norman Keep, The White Tower, + elements of its defensive rings wrapping round St. Thomas's and the Wakefield Towers.
Above Traitors Gate
@TowerOfLondon
, you will find the Medieval Palace. These rooms were used by both King Henry III and King Edward I in the 13th and early 14th centuries. The bed chamber is a recreation of what it may have looked like.
Wow, I have been gifted this incredible water colour created by one of Mrs R's besties and family friend. Based on a photo provided, it is absolutely brilliant. Can't wait to have it framed and hung.
Morning all. Opening up duties today. Here, we have the upper entrance/exit of the Bloody Tower, the eastern turret of St.Thomas's Tower
@TowerOfLondon
, and our friend and neighbour
@TowerBridge
. Have a nice day, everyone.
Watchman duties again tonight. Later, it will just me and the spirts of our illustrious predecessors sharing what is the oldest continuously manned Guardroom in the world.
Watchman duty tonight. The Ceremony of the Keys was a warm and sultry one, but it didn't seem to spoil it for our guests
@TowerOfLondon
. Here they are, post ceremony.
I'm doing a bit of work on the Yeoman Body archives today and came across this order from the Office of Ordnance dated 1794. It details the appointment of a new Master Gunner here
@TowerOfLondon
. It is absolutely fascinating having such rich history at hand.
(1/3)
#otd
1554 Lady Jane Grey was executed on Tower Green
@TowerOfLondon
. King Edward VI's succession plan was to ensure a protestant male successor. The plan was changed in favour of Jane to regin as Queen until a male heir was born.
Our raven's have had the builders in. I'm "reliability" informed that, as
@TowerOfLondon
is a World Heritage Site, application for the extension was merely a flight of fantasy. However, our clever corvids didn't flap and here is the result 😉
After 2 weeks off its Watchman duties tonight
@TowerOfLondon
, which, of course, incudes taking part in the 700 + year old
#cereminyofthekeys
and hosting our eager guests. Here is tonights happy bunch,post ceremony, next to the White Tower.
The Brick Tower
@TowerOfLondon
houses the Royal Beasts exhibition. Accounts from 1210 show payments made to the keepers of Lions at the Tower, but exotic animals were probably kept here before this. The Menagerie closed for good in 1835.
Always on the look out for unusual views
@TowerOfLondon
. This is St. Thomas's Tower taken from the Middle Drawbridge with HMS Belfast moored on the south bank of the Thames.
Opening up time
@TowerOfLondon
and it's hot already. If your joining us remember to slap on the sun block and keep hydrated. Also while here have a look at our new exibit all about the Yeoman Warders. You'll find in the Martin Tower.