The poppy installation at the Tower of London marks 100 years since the outbreak of World War I. The first ceramic poppy was placed July 17th and the last today, November 11th. The poppies total 888,246, one for each Commonwealth soldier killed.
An anonymous war poem was the inspiration for the name of the installment, "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red."
Over 4 million people have come to see this beautiful project unfold from July to November.
This project was so thoughtfully put together. The sea of poppies is just captivating!
Can you believe, this was my first time to step inside the tower to see 1000 years of history?
There is so much to see within the walls that you could easily spend a whole day.
Here are just a few of the things you can see behind the tower walls.
Take a Yeoman Warder's tour (also known as a Beefeater). Don't miss this, it's free! These men are required to have served at least 22 years in the armed forces with an honorable record. They are fun-spirited and bring history to life.
Discover the history of the royal mint that spanned over 500 years.
Take a stroll through the crown jewels. The collection is still regularly used by The Queen.
Follow the walkways through the walls, see the Royal Beast that describes the animals that lived at the fortress, spanning 600 year.
The Medieval Palace where hundreds of Kings and Queens stayed on their visit to their most valued fortress.
Visit all the towers, like Beauchamp Tower where you'll see graffiti left by the Tudor Prisoners.
Or Bloody Tower where the Little Princes were murdered.
Be sure to look for the seven ravens flying about the tower. Legend has it that the tower will fall if the six ravens ever leave the tower. Seven are in residence, just in case!
As part of the WWI remembrance, portrayals of wartime were being demonstrated around the tower grounds.
The Tower of London played an important role during WWI. Recruitment and mobilization took place here as well as a hold for prisoners and a place of execution.
Visiting the tower with the sea of poppies filling the moat added a beautiful element.
Would you like a chance to win a ceramic poppy of your own?
Attractiontix is giving away a ceramic poppy to one lucky winner! Enter for your chance to win a beautiful piece of history.
Have you visited the Seas of Red at the Tower of London?
* I was given a complimentary ticket to the The Tower of London for the purpose of review for Attractiontix.
Linking up with the lovely Bonnie, Courtney, Cynthia and Yalanda.
The day we saw the Tower of London is still one of my favorite days we've spent in the city. We were there for hours and could have stayed even longer. It's hard to see it all in one day! The tours with the Yeoman Warders are the best. How did your kids enjoy it? Lexie loved it - even the gruesome stories!
ReplyDeleteI went to do a review, so went while the kids were in school. It was not near enough time. We didn't see everything we wanted to. Next time, hopefully! :)
ReplyDeleteI went a few weeks ago, having not been in a few years. I find it utterly fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely pics! I went on Sunday just as it was getting dark and it was wonderful to see the glowing red colours. Such a beautiful and well thought out instilation :)
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely pics! I went on Sunday just as it was getting dark and it was wonderful to see the glowing red colours. Such a beautiful and well thought out instalation :)
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that they still recognize and memorialize WWI. Here in the States we have forgotten about it and we are starting to forget about WWII, sadly.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to visit during this year and around Veteran's/Remembrance day as well! That one photo of the poppies with the autumn leaves really sets the scene. I feel like you've just taken me on a little tour and now I've been there too. I'm loving the reenactments!
ReplyDeleteWow--this is such a vivid way to learn/experience this part of history!
ReplyDeleteIt really is!! I'll be sad to see it all gone!
ReplyDeleteThank you! My thoughts exactly! It was such a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you! thought so too! It was such a brilliant idea!
ReplyDeleteI agree! I'm almost surprised at how it is still so widely celebrated here compared to the US.
ReplyDeleteIt was such a treat to visit with the poppies in view!! Glad you enjoyed it! =)
ReplyDeleteI know! It's such an inspiring and creative way to remember!
ReplyDeleteI love the pictures of seen of this installation. It looks like a beautiful tribute!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful installation. I really enjoyed the Tower of London when I visited last year, but most of the history went right over my head. I would have loved to see all the wartime demonstrations and striking poppies! At least the Beefeater tours are great all year round :)
ReplyDeleteIt truly was!
ReplyDeleteSeeing the costumes and poppies were a definite big plus!! I'm with you. It's a lot to take in! The beefeaters are great!!
ReplyDeleteWe just read a neat book about the tower's ravens...historical fiction...The Raven master's Secret. Love your pictures, Tina!
ReplyDeleteIt all looks incredible. Getting to see those poppies would have been such an honor, such a beautiful idea and testament to their soldiers. And how cute are you, do you have poppies on your dress too?!
ReplyDeletewww.hollandsreverie.blogspot.com
Neat! I should look for that! There is a current beefeater raven master. Hope you are well!! =) Thanks for still coming around!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does (it's a sweater). I thought it was appropriate for the occasion. ;) Thank you!! =)
ReplyDeleteI have been entranced by all of the photos of the poppies, it must be so wonderful to have been there to see them :)
ReplyDeleteWhat AMAZING pictures and access to the Tower of London and the fields of poppies. Wished I could have toured with you. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it sure has dominated the feed from the London Bloggers! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks! I can't take all the credit, Jerry took a good bit of them. I wish you could have too!!
ReplyDeleteThose poppies are AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL AND VIBRANT! WOWWWW
ReplyDeleteThe Tower of London is my favorite "tourist" spot in the city. Hate that I missed this lovely poppy installation, but so glad that you took such lovely photos I could experience it through your blog. :)
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