Bison Abroad | London’s Castles, Walls and Gardens

Kali Wells November 7, 2016 No Comments

After a weekend of completing three midterm reports, starting a fourth and studying for a midterm exam, I decided I wanted to get out and explore a part of London I hadn’t before and learn some of the history of the city.

A friend of mine suggested I visit the Tower Hill area. This area is full of historical sites including the Tower of London, Winchester Palace and London’s Roman City Wall.

PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | The Tower of London was built in 1066 and has served both as a prison and as a home for royalty.
PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | The Tower of London was built in 1066 and has served both as a prison and as a home for royalty.

To get to this area it’s about a half-an-hour tube ride on the Circle line from Baker Street Station. The first thing you see when you leave the Tower Hill Station is the Tower of London. The name is a bit misleading, since the Tower is more of a castle and fortress complex, but it is definitely one of the most beautiful sites in London.

It reminded me of the vast history England has, especially compared to the United States. It was built in 1066 and is owned by Queen Elizabeth II. It has been used as a prison and as a home for many royals. Touring the whole castle would take several hours — I haven’t been able to yet, but it’s on my to-do list.

Another amazing site is London’s Roman City Wall. There are many sections of the wall around London, but Tower Hill Roman Wall is the highest remaining section, and it’s absolutely fascinating. It was built in 200 AD for defense and to control the passage of goods and people.

PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | A monument in Trinity Square Gardens honoring merchant sailors who died at sea.
PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | A monument in Trinity Square Gardens honoring merchant sailors who died at sea.
PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | A Roman wall built around 200 AD to control the passage of goods and people.
PHOTO COURTESY Kali Wells | A Roman wall built around 200 AD to control the passage of goods and people.

The remaining sections of the wall today are incorporated into other buildings. This section is connected to the Tower Hill Station. It was interesting to see something so old and historic incorporated into a modern building.

I saw other beautiful sites such as Trinity Square Gardens and Tower Pier just by walking around. I think that’s one of my favorite things about London. I can just start walking aimlessly and stumble upon amazing sites, some I didn’t even know existed.

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