We’d always thought the Tower of London was just that, a tower. But it’s actually a castle, with 22 towers in total, that was the royal residence for England’s medieval monarchs and also is where the Crown Jewels are currently kept. The complex is right next to St. Katharine Docks where we are moored, so one sunny morning we spent a few hours touring the complex and learning about it’s history.

Below are trip highlights from February 15th in London, UK. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps

Yeoman Position: 0 4.69, 51 30.49A We took a one-hour Yeoman-led tour of the Tower of London on arrival. This gave us a good overview and helped us know where we wanted to spend the rest of our time at the tower.

White Tower Position: 0 4.60, 51 30.48 The Tower of London originated with the White Tower, dating from the 11th century when William the Conquerer began building a castle here. By the 13th century, two walls and a moat had been added as fortification.

Royal Armouries Position: 0 4.56, 51 30.48 The White Tower is home to an impressive collection of royal armour spanning 500 years. In addition to these breastplates are complete suits of armour for past monarchs and even armour for their horses.

St. John’s Chapel Position: 0 4.56, 51 30.48 St. John’s Chapel in the White Tower dates from 1080 and is the oldest surviving part of the Tower of London complex.

Raven Position: 0 4.55, 51 30.51 One of the Tower’s famous Ravens. According to legend, if the ravens leave the tower will fall. So they’re kept well-fed and happy.

Crown Jewels Position: 0 4.55, 51 30.50 The Tower of London is where the Crown Jewels are kept. Pictures aren’t allowed, but the jewels were impressive, particularly the 530-carat Star of Africa diamond atop the Sovereign’s Sceptre.

Medieval Palace Position: 0 4.60, 51 30.45 In the early 13th century a palace was built just inside the tower’s south wall that became the royal residence for England’s medieval monarchs. This is a recreation of the bedchamber of Edward I (1272-1307).

Tower Bridge Position: 0 4.58, 51 30.45 A great view to Tower Bridge from the south wall in the Tower of London.

Tube Position: 0 4.59, 51 30.60 Taking our first ride on “The Tube”, London’s underground train system, from Tower Hill station. The tube map on the wall above the door shows how extensive the system is.

3D Printing Position: 0 6.55, 51 31.33 Back in the Clerkenwell district, we stopped to watch a 3D printer at The 3D Printing Store.

FedEx Position: 0 6.65, 51 31.32 We returned to Fedex in the Clerkenwell district to send another package to North America.

Benito’s Hat Position: 0 6.10, 51 31.21 We stopped in for an excellent margharita at Benito’s Hat on our way back to St. Kathararine Docks. We loved their ceiling lights made of upturned buckest.

Holborn Viaduct Position: 0 6.31, 51 31.00 Looking back to the Holborn Viaduct from Farringdon Street after we’d crossed it. The bridge was built in the mid-1800s and is ornately painted and decorated with statues and crests.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map, with the complete log of our cruise. On the map page, clicking on a camera or text icon will display a picture and/or log entry for that location, and clicking on the smaller icons along the route will display latitude, longitude and other navigation data for that location. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.