Historic London
“The friendship post card” is printed at the right on the
reverse of this used souvenir postcard from London, England. Like the Danish postcard that was shared a
couple of weeks ago, this one has 5 different views of popular tourist destinations, this time featuring historic London. This is a Golden Shield card with the number
142 at the top of the center line on the reverse. It is one of the cards Marge Engler kept and was sent to her by her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren who were traveling abroad.
Beginning with the large picture of the Tower of London complex at the upper left and going clockwise around. The second photo is of the guard wearing the tall bearskin hats and standing in front of the entrance. The famous clock tower, Big Ben, is next, then a Yeoman Warder or Beefeater, is seen talking with children, the last picture is of Saint Paul’s cathedral.
The Tower of London is located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It is officially His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. Founded toward the end of 1066 as a result of the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror built the White Tower in 1078 and is the symbol that gives the entire complex its name. The complex has several buildings and two rings of defensive walls plus a moat. Historically significant the complex it was besieged several times. It has served different purposes at different times, from being an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, a prison, home to the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England. It is a popular tourist attraction and is also protected as a World Heritage Site.
The King’s Guard is one of the Household Division’s five regiments of foot guards. The Household Guard duties include the sentry postings at Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace in London. They are recognizable symbols by their red coats and tall bearskin hats. They participate in the ceremony called the changing of the guard which is held Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at Buckingham Palace Forecourt and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at Windsor Castle. The ceremony starts at 10:45 am and lasts for about 45 minutes.
“Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster.” It stands at the west end of the Palace of Westminster and was once known as the Clock Tower. When Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 the it was renamed Elizabeth Tower. The clock has five striking bells. Designed by Augustus Pugin it was completed in 1859. It is one of the most prominent symbols of the United Kingdom.
The ceremonial guards of the Tower of London are popularly known as Beefeaters but are officially named Yeoman Warders. They serve as the palace guard and are responsible for safeguarding the British crown jewels as well as looking after any prisoners in the Tower. They also conduct some guided tours of the Tower.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is another of the most recognizable symbols of London and a popular tourist destination. TheEnglish Baroque style building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The dome has been part of the skyline of London for over 300 years.
For additional information, see:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_London
https://www.householddivision.org.uk/changing-the-guard-overview
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Guard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ben
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeoman_Warders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Paul%27s_Cathedral
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