Well, not really. But can you tell that the boys had a low level of enthusiasm for standing next to this guy? This despite the fact that he had just about the most cheerful voice I’ve ever heard, to say nothing of a sunny demeanor, which is no small feat when one is wearing a black mask over one’s head.
I found it a little funny that while the curators at this London museum are clearly trying to move away from the Victorian Gothic notion that the place was awash in blood from beheadings (the fact that very few people were actually executed there is reinforced continually in all of the panels I read) there is an executioner wandering around among the other historical reenactors. The Yeoman Warders I overheard also like to emphasize the macabre in their tours – I guess gore sells.
This executioner cheerfully informed us about the importance of technique when beheading – apparently it was all about the swing, kind of like in golf. This did not endear him to Teddy who really couldn’t get away fast enough. He was much happier to pose for this picture:
Much more about our trip to the Tower of London next week! Have a wonderful weekend.
You’re right about gore selling, at least in London – the London Dungeon Experience (or whatever it is called) is one of the most popular things for tourists to do in London, despite the inflated ticket price and four hour waiting lines. I can’t see the appeal myself 🙂
I thought the Tower of London was one of the coolest things I saw in England. How did you get the sun to come out though?!
It’s interesting how old traditions are kept, and more in such a fun way.