The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London: A Royal Treasure Worth Discovering

The Crown Jewels at the Tower of London: A Royal Treasure Worth Discovering

Few attractions in Britain capture the imagination quite like the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. These dazzling symbols of monarchy, ceremony, and history draw millions of visitors every year. For anyone exploring the capital, seeing the Crown Jewels is often the highlight of our Tower of London guided tours, offering a rare glimpse into more than 1,000 years of royal tradition.

Whether you are fascinated by history, royal pageantry, or simply love sparkling treasures, the Crown Jewels represent one of the most extraordinary collections in the world. 

What Are the Crown Jewels?

The Crown Jewels are a collection of ceremonial objects used in the coronation of British monarchs. They include crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, rings, and other regalia that symbolize royal authority and divine rule.

Today the collection contains more than 140 ceremonial objects, decorated with over 23,000 gemstones. These priceless treasures are kept in the Jewel House inside the Tower of London and are still used during coronations and important state occasions.

Visitors taking Tower of London guided tours quickly discover that the Crown Jewels are not simply historical artifacts — they remain powerful symbols of the British monarchy.

A History Filled With Drama

The history of the Crown Jewels is full of dramatic twists. Over the centuries they have been hidden, destroyed, stolen, recreated, and carefully protected through wars and political upheaval.

Medieval Origins

The earliest royal regalia date back to the Anglo-Saxon period, when English kings used crowns and sceptres during ceremonies to reinforce their authority. These early jewels were originally kept in Westminster Abbey.

However, during the English Civil War in the 1640s, Parliament ordered the destruction of the monarchy’s regalia. Most of the medieval Crown Jewels were melted down or sold, leaving almost nothing of the original collection.

The Restoration of the Crown Jewels

When the monarchy was restored in 1660 under King Charles II, new Crown Jewels had to be created. Many of the objects visitors see today were produced during this period.

Learning about this dramatic chapter of British history is one of the reasons why Tower of London guided tours are so fascinating. The jewels represent both the destruction of the monarchy and its remarkable restoration.

The Most Famous Crown Jewels

Although the collection is vast, several pieces stand out as particularly iconic.

St Edward’s Crown

St Edward’s Crown is used during the most important moment of the coronation ceremony, when the monarch is officially crowned.

Made of solid gold and decorated with precious stones, the crown weighs more than two kilograms. Because of its weight, it is only worn briefly during the ceremony.

During Tower of London guided tours, guides often point out how surprisingly heavy the crown is — something many monarchs have commented on.

The Imperial State Crown

One of the most famous pieces in the entire collection is the Imperial State Crown, worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament.

This spectacular crown contains nearly 3,000 gemstones, including some of the most famous in the world:

• The Cullinan II diamond
• The Black Prince’s Ruby
• The Stuart Sapphire

Visitors exploring the Jewel House on Tower of London guided tours often spend the most time admiring this magnificent crown.

The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross

Another extraordinary object is the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross, which contains the Cullinan I diamond. At 530 carats, it is the largest clear-cut diamond in the world.

Sometimes called the Great Star of Africa, this dazzling gem is one of the highlights of the Crown Jewels collection.

Seeing it in person is often one of the most memorable moments during Tower of London guided tours.

The Sovereign’s Orb

The Sovereign’s Orb is a golden sphere topped with a cross. It symbolizes the monarch’s authority and role as defender of the Christian faith.

Although it appears ancient, the orb was actually created in 1661, following the restoration of the monarchy.

Where the Crown Jewels Are Displayed

Today the Crown Jewels are displayed in the Jewel House, a secure exhibition inside the Tower of London.

Security is extremely tight, and for good reason. These royal treasures are priceless and deeply symbolic.

In 1671, a man named Colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels. Although the attempt failed, the story remains one of the most famous crimes in British history.

Modern visitors view the jewels while walking along a moving walkway, allowing everyone to see the crowns up close while protecting the collection.

Stories like this are often shared during Tower of London guided tours, giving visitors fascinating insight into the fortress’s dramatic past.

Why the Crown Jewels Matter Today

Unlike many historic treasures kept in museums, the Crown Jewels are still used during major royal ceremonies.

They appear during:

• Coronations
• State openings of Parliament
• Royal celebrations
• Diplomatic occasions

Because of this, the Crown Jewels remain an important part of modern British life.

When visitors join Tower of London guided tours, they are not only seeing historic artifacts but also objects that continue to play a role in the traditions of the monarchy today.

Experience the Crown Jewels with Urban Saunters

For travelers who want a deeper and more memorable experience, joining a guided tour can transform a visit to the Tower of London.

Urban Saunters offers a unique experience with their Early Access to the Tower of London & Crown Jewels Tour, designed for visitors who want to explore the Tower before the crowds arrive.

This special experience allows guests to enter the Tower early in the morning and enjoy priority access to the Crown Jewels in a quieter atmosphere. With an expert guide leading the way, visitors can learn about the Tower’s extraordinary history, royal ceremonies, and legendary stories.

The experience also includes a boat ride along the River Thames, offering fantastic views of London’s skyline and historic landmarks. After the river cruise, the tour continues with a small-group walking tour of Westminster, where guests discover the heart of British political and royal history.

This carefully designed experience combines history, storytelling, and some of London’s most famous sights into one unforgettable morning.

You can learn more about the tour here.

For visitors looking for high-quality Tower of London guided tours, experiences like this offer an immersive way to discover the history, traditions, and royal heritage of one of London’s most famous landmarks.