Superbloom for the Platinum Jubilee at the Tower of London

Readers not in the UK might not be aware that in 2014, the 100th anniversary of the start of WWI, the moat of the Tower of London (most of which is laid to grass, only a small inlet by the Traitor’s Gate or Watergate is accessible to the River now) was gradually filled with ceramic poppies, assembled by volunteers, enough to eventually represent every British and Commonwealth serviceman killed.  Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red it was called. The poppies were eventually sold in aid of service charities. Then in 2018 to commemorate the end lanterns were lit. Photographs here.

Earlier this year, to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee the moat was sown with over 2 million wild flower seeds and this is the result. The intention is to keep the wildflowers going next year and subsequent years, to increase biodiversity and encourage bees.

We went to see these this afternoon. I took the photograph below about 100 yards south of my spot in 2014 and 2018, looking at the Byward Tower which is the main gateway for foot traffic.  The Beauchamp Tower in the earlier photographs is visible far left.

I later took this photograph through the railings of the walkway to Tower Bridge (the one with the two towers that opens to tall ships. Sometimes mistaken for famous London Bridge, which is plainer). I had to try an arty-farty novelty shot through the railings as I am too short to see over the top properly.

I hope the bees enjoy it, because I thought it was lovely.

                                                                             Photographs E Weatherwax London July 2022