The Tower Of London Crown Jewels England
Step into the world of majesty and royalty with a visit to the Tower of London, and discover the magnificent Crown Jewels. As the name suggests, these jewels are the crown jewel of British royal heritage, and are one of the most iconic symbols of the country.
The Crown Jewels are a collection of precious stones, gems, and other artefacts, with a history that dates back to the 11th century. The collection is divided into several parts, including the crowns, sceptres, orb, and sword used for the coronation of the monarch.
The most significant is the St. Edward's Crown, which is kept in the Tower of London and only brought out for coronations. This crown weighs over 4 pounds and consists of 444 precious stones, including diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The crown is thought to be of medieval origin and was last used in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
Other coronation regalia includes the Sovereign's Sceptre, the Royal Sceptre with the Cross, the Queen's Ivory Rod, the Armills, and the Coronation Spoon. All of these objects have their unique stories and legends associated with them.
One of the most iconic objects in the collection is the Cullinan I, which is also known as the Great Star of Africa. This is the largest clear cut diamond in the world and weighs around 530.2 carats. It is set in the head of the Sovereign's Sceptre and is an integral part of the Crown Jewels.
Throughout their history, the Crown Jewels have faced many threats, including theft, loss, and destruction. The jewels were kept in Westminster Abbey until 1303 when they were moved to the Tower of London for better security. The jewels were stolen in 1671 by Colonel Thomas Blood but were quickly recovered.
During World War II, the jewels were hidden in secret locations across the country to protect them from possible German bombings. In 1952, a London jeweller named Grissom was caught stealing some of the Crown Jewels, but all items were recovered.
Today, the Crown Jewels are on display in the Jewel House inside the Tower of London. The Jewel House also displays other royal items, including the Imperial State Crown, worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
History
The Crown Jewels have a rich and fascinating history that dates back over a thousand years. It is said that William the Conqueror ordered a crown to be made for his coronation in 1066, and this is thought to be the beginning of the Crown Jewels collection.
Throughout the centuries, new objects have been added to the collection, and old ones have been destroyed or lost. During the English Civil War, the Crown Jewels were melted down, and their stones were sold to fund the Parliamentary army.
The Crown Jewels were restored after the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, with new objects added during the reigns of various monarchs. In 1838, a new set of Crown Jewels was created for Queen Victoria's coronation, and this set has been used for all subsequent coronations.
Travel Tips
The Tower of London is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in British history and culture. The Crown Jewels are a highlight of any visit, and it is recommended that you book your tickets online to avoid long queues.
The Tower of London is open every day, except December 24-26 and January 1. Opening hours vary throughout the year, so it's best to check the official website before planning your visit.
Audio guides and guided tours are available to help you explore the Tower of London and learn more about the Crown Jewels. The Tower of London is just a short walk from Tower Hill station, and there are also several bus routes that stop nearby.
While visiting the Tower of London, you can also explore other historic sites, such as the White Tower, the Royal Mint, and the medieval palace. There are also several cafes and gift shops on site, where you can buy souvenirs and refreshments.
In conclusion, the Crown Jewels are a national treasure, and their history and beauty are not to be missed. A visit to the Tower of London is an experience that you will not forget, with the Crown Jewels being one of its most significant and fascinating features.
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