Philippine Butterfly

Originally, the Crown Jewels of London were kept in Westminster Abbey , in a side chamber next to the Chapter House, where monks used to meet for daily prayers in the 13th Century. In the 14th Century, however, the jewels were relocated to the Tower of London , where they’ve been ever since.

While the jewels are still used by the Royal Family and the Queen, they’re available for anyone to see who visits the Tower. Once a fortress and home for the kings and queens of England, these buildings are now a monument to the past of England, containing an ancient collection of armour and weaponry, royal crowns, jewels, and diamonds.

The White Tower was built during the reign of William the Conqueror, a twenty-one year period from 1066 to 1087, when it served as both a palace and fortress. Inside the White Tower, you’ll discover the Royal Armouries which come from an arsenal that served medieval kings and their armies. The collection seen today is mostly from the reign of Henry the Eighth, from 1509 to 1547.

Inside the Martin Tower, you’ll be able to view a special exhibit titled, “Crowns & Diamonds: The Making of the Crown Jewels.” This exhibit explores how diamonds and the part they play in the British crowns evolved over time. The display includes five royal crowns, in use between 1715 and 1939, and over 12,000 diamonds.

The Tower of London also includes the Tower Green, where prisoners were kept, including Sir Walter Raleigh, imprisoned for 13 years, as well as the Scaffold Site, where two of King Henry the Eighth’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, were beheaded. Their final resting place is a few feet away, inside the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula.

The Tower is home today to about 150 people, including the Yeoman Warders, also known as The Beefeaters, who act as tourist guides in addition to their ceremonial roles. A limited number of ravens are here, too, because, according to legend, Charles the Second was told that if the Ravens left the Tower, the monarchy would collapse. It’s tradition now to always keep ravens at the tower, and they’re cared for by one of the Beefeaters, whose title is the Ravenmaster. While the Tower was once the home of kings and still the home of ravens, certainly travelers can find a more comfortable hotel throughout London .

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