The re-presentation of the Crown Jewels has given the Crown Jewels a home fit for the 21st century, with new displays showing the jewels like never before.
The new display explores the importance of the Crown Jewels to the British Monarchy, the role of the Tower in protecting these treasures and the long and fascinating tradition of coronations in England.
The Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious and cultural significance in our nation’s history. The mystique and beauty of the diamonds and precious jewels in the royal regalia have always held an unparalleled allure to visitors from across the globe.
The Coronation ceremony is the central theme of the re-presentation. Since 1066, coronation ceremonies have taken place in Westminster Abbey, the great church built by Edward the Confessor. The displays examine how the royal regalia are used during the ceremony and explore the symbolism of each object. Destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661, the Crown Jewels signify royal authority to lead, and protect, the nation.
The regalia includes some of the most legendary and extraordinary diamonds in the world.
The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London are a unique working collection of royal regalia and are still regularly used by The Queen in important national ceremonies, such as the State Opening of Parliament (watch for the ‘in use’ signs!).
You'll find the Crown Jewels under armed guard in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
View our Crown Jewels slideshow >
Did you know?
The fact that any of The Queen's Crown Jewels remain intact is astonishing considering their past...
- It is believed that King John lost the Crown Jewels in 1216
- Edward III (1327 - 1377) used the Crown Jewels as collateral to pay his troops
- Henrietta Maria, the wife of Charles I, pawned the Crown Jewels at the beginning of the Civil War
- Oliver Cromwell ordered the Crown Jewels to be broken up, symbolising the destruction of the
monarchy
- The Crown Jewels were nearly stolen in 1671. The dashing Irishman Colonel Blood knocked the Jewel House keeper on the head with a mallet and squashed the arches of Charles II’s State Crown so as to hide it under his cloak.
- The British monarchy is the only monarchy in Europe that still uses its Crown Jewels in coronation ceremonies
