Globe Hopping with Irma

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Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of River Thames, within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, on Tower Hill. It was founded around 1060s. The tower is a complex of several buildings set within two concentric rings of defensive walls and a moat. White Tower, the oldest part, was built by William the Conqueror in 1078. The castle was also used as a prison from 1100 until 1952, famously by the Kray twins.

During earlier times when the tower was at its grandest, it was used as residence for the royal family. It is also believed the young sons of King Edward IV, King Edward V and Richard, Duke of York, were murdered in this tower in late 15th century. Other notable events include the torture of Guy Fawkes in 1605 because of his involvement in the Gunpowder Plot, as well as the holding and execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536.

Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 and is a combination of bascule and suspension bridge, consisting of two bridge towers tied together at the upper level by horizontal walkways. The bridge crosses over River Thames, right by Tower of London. Tower Bridge has become an iconic symbol and is one of the five bridges in the city.