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The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London

Explore the dazzling Crown Jewels collection, a symbol of British monarchy and history, housed securely within the iconic Tower of London.

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The Crown Jewels, housed within the Tower of London, are a spectacular collection of royal regalia symbolizing the authority and history of the British monarchy. Dating mainly from the Restoration period of 1661, these priceless treasures include crowns, sceptres, and orbs used in coronations and state ceremonies. Visitors can marvel at iconic pieces such as St Edward’s Crown and the Imperial State Crown, set in a secure, purpose-built Jewel House within the historic fortress on Tower Hill.

A brief summary to The Crown Jewels

  • Tower of, Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB, GB
  • +443333206000
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 3.5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit early on weekday mornings, especially from November to March, to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience viewing the Crown Jewels.
  • Purchase tickets in advance to secure entry and consider adding an audio guide for detailed historical context.
  • Check for any temporary closures or maintenance updates on the official Historic Royal Palaces website before your visit.
  • Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the Crown Jewels exhibition and the surrounding Tower of London grounds.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the District or Circle Line to Tower Hill station, approximately a 5-minute walk to the Tower of London. Trains run frequently with fares starting from £2.50 using contactless payment. Note that the area is within the Congestion Charging Zone with no onsite parking.

  • Bus

    Several London bus routes serve the Tower Hill area, including routes 15, 42, 78, and 100. Travel times vary depending on traffic but typically range from 20 to 40 minutes from central London. Single fares start at £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.

  • Riverboat

    Riverboat services from Westminster or Greenwich stop at Tower Pier, a short walk from the Tower of London. This scenic route takes around 30 to 45 minutes and offers a unique approach to the landmark. Tickets cost approximately £7 to £10 one way.

  • Walking

    If staying nearby in central London, walking to the Tower of London is feasible and pleasant, especially along the Thames Path. Walking times range from 20 to 40 minutes depending on your starting point, with mostly flat and accessible terrain.

The Crown Jewels location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The Crown Jewels

Historic Legacy of the Crown Jewels

The Crown Jewels have been safeguarded at the Tower of London since the 1660s, following the turbulent period of the English Civil War. The original medieval coronation regalia were destroyed in 1649 by Parliament in an effort to abolish the monarchy, with precious stones sold off and gold melted down. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, King Charles II commissioned a new set of regalia for his coronation in 1661, which forms the core of the collection seen today. Some older artifacts, like the Coronation Spoon dating back to the 12th century, survived through private protection.

Iconic Pieces and Symbolism

Among the most famous items is St Edward’s Crown, used to crown monarchs since the Restoration, featuring St Edward’s Sapphire reputedly from the 11th century. The Imperial State Crown, crafted for King George VI’s coronation in 1937, is another highlight, richly adorned with precious gems including the Cullinan Diamond—the largest gem-quality uncut diamond ever found at 3,106 carats. These jewels embody royal authority and have been used in annual state occasions, reinforcing the continuity of British monarchy.

The Jewel House and Visitor Experience

The Crown Jewels are displayed in the Jewel House, a secure, modern exhibition space within the Waterloo Barracks at the Tower of London, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 and refurbished in 2012. The Jewel House offers visitors an up-close view of the regalia behind bulletproof glass, combining historical significance with state-of-the-art security. The Tower itself, a historic fortress established by William the Conqueror, provides a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the sense of awe and reverence.

Security and Historical Incidents

The jewels’ security has evolved over centuries, especially after the 1671 attempt by Colonel Thomas Blood to steal the Crown Jewels. This event led to stricter protections, including armed guards and secure display cases. Over time, the Jewel House was relocated and rebuilt several times to improve safety and visitor access, culminating in the current exhibition space designed to accommodate thousands of visitors daily.

Visiting Hours and Seasonal Considerations

The Tower of London, including the Crown Jewels exhibition, is open daily with typical hours from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, though some closures and maintenance periods occur seasonally. Visitors are advised to arrive early on weekdays, especially from November to March, to avoid crowds and enjoy a more tranquil viewing experience. The Tower also hosts special events and conservation projects that may affect access.

The Cultural and Ceremonial Importance

Beyond their dazzling appearance, the Crown Jewels represent centuries of British history, monarchy, and tradition. They are not mere artifacts but living symbols of the nation’s heritage, used in coronations, the State Opening of Parliament, and other significant ceremonies. Their display at the Tower of London allows the public to connect with this rich legacy in a setting steeped in history and legend.

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