Steve Brine joined a cross-party group of MPs who experienced a tour of the Tower of London following the Queen's Speech on Wednesday 9th May.
The group, who took the visit in their own time, toured the tower, taking in Traitors Gate, the prison where Thomas Beckett was held, and saw the crown jewels worn by Her Majesty earlier that day, before attending a reception organised by Michael Ellis MP.
Speaking at the end of the evening, Steve said: "2012 is set to be a record year for visitors to the Tower of London and not one of them will be disappointed. Not only is it superbly run and breathtaking in the sense of history given to visitors, the newly presented Crown Jewels are absolutely stunning.
"To visit on the day of the Queen's Speech, when as MPs we had seen the Monarch wearing the crown just a few hours earlier in Parliament, was very special indeed. The other thing we learned, which I had not appreciated, is that the Tower of London runs as a stand-alone charity and does not take a penny of public money. It is a successful business in its own right and a model for many other visitor attractions in the sector who are heavily dependent on taxpayer handouts.
"I would like to thank our hosts at the Tower for a really special evening."
Pictured; MPs join the Head Yeoman of the Tower of London
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Find out more about the Tower of London here.