Jewel House
The Tower of London has stored the monarch’s treasure since the late 11th century. These valuables were first kept in the White Tower before a special Jewel House was built in 1508. The Tower provided secure storage for jewels that were both valuable and important symbols of royal authority.
While the royal regalia were traditionally kept at Westminster, it is probable that William the Conqueror and his successors stored treasure at the Tower from the late 11th century. In the early 16th century Henry VII built a new Jewel House to the south of the White Tower.
After Charles I’s execution in 1649, Parliament forcibly seized and melted down or sold off its contents. The Jewel House was demolished in 1669 and Charles II’s newly made crown jewels were placed in the Martin Tower. They were moved to the Wakefield Tower in 1869 before being placed in the new Jewel House in 1967.
To close the image view pop up click on Esc.
-
Golden bird
-
Regalia
-
Crown Jewels
-
Theft of Crown Jewels
