Jewel Tower

Jewel Tower
About

The Jewel Tower, a small but significant survivor of the medieval Palace of Westminster, offers a fascinating glimpse into London's past. Built in the 14th century for King Edward III, its original purpose was to house his personal treasures, including jewels and gold. Its sturdy construction, with thick stone walls and strategically placed windows, reflects its role as a secure royal strongroom. Later, from the late 16th century until 1864, it served as a record office for the House of Lords, safeguarding crucial parliamentary documents like the death warrant of Charles I. Over its long history, the Jewel Tower has witnessed significant events and the changing landscape of Westminster. It even housed the national standards for weights and measures for a period. Today, as an English Heritage site, it presents exhibitions across its three floors, detailing its various functions and the history of the surrounding area, including the lost medieval palace. Visitors can explore its original architecture, examine artifacts unearthed during excavations, and view models reconstructing the past. The Jewel Tower provides a unique perspective on the workings of royalty and parliament in the heart of London.

London United Kingdom
Location

The Jewel Tower is located in Westminster, London, specifically at Abingdon Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3JX, UK. Its position places it near several significant landmarks, reflecting its historical connection to the Palace of Westminster. The Houses of Parliament, including the iconic Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), are a short walk away, as the Jewel Tower was originally built as part of the palace complex. Westminster Abbey, a site of coronations and royal weddings, is also nearby, showcasing centuries of British history. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is located just across the street. The River Thames is close, offering scenic views and riverside walks. You can also easily reach other attractions like the Churchill War Rooms and the London Eye. The area is well-served by public transport, with Westminster Underground station being the closest, providing access to multiple lines. The Jewel Tower's location allows visitors to easily explore the heart of British government and history.

Tower Bridge Tower Bridge London Tower of London Tower of London London Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace London The National Gallery The National Gallery London Big Ben Big Ben London Palace of Westminster Palace of Westminster London Victoria and Albert Museum Victoria and Albert Museum London The London Eye The London Eye London Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square London Tate Modern Tate Modern London British Museum British Museum London Tate Britain Tate Britain London Natural History Museum Natural History Museum London Science Museum Science Museum London Millennium Bridge Millennium Bridge London St. Paul’s Cathedral St. Paul’s Cathedral London The National Portrait Gallery The National Portrait Gallery London Covent Garden Covent Garden London Royal Opera House Royal Opera House London Neal's Yard Neal's Yard London Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus London Soho Soho London Hyde Park Hyde Park London Regent's Park Regent's Park London Richmond Park Richmond Park London Kew Gardens Kew Gardens London Greenwich Park Greenwich Park London Royal Obervatory Greenwich Royal Obervatory Greenwich London Leadenhall Market Leadenhall Market London Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre London Old Royal Naval College Old Royal Naval College London Borough Market Borough Market London Camden Market Camden Market London Portobello Road Market Portobello Road Market London Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum London Guildhall Art Gallery Guildhall Art Gallery London William Morris Gallery William Morris Gallery London Sky Garden Sky Garden London Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey London Kensington Palace Kensington Palace London Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace London St. James's Palace St. James's Palace London Clarence House Clarence House London Imperial War Museum Imperial War Museum London Museum of London Museum of London London Sir John Soane's Museum Sir John Soane's Museum London Wallace Collection Wallace Collection London Courtauld Gallery Courtauld Gallery London National Maritime Museum National Maritime Museum London Queen's House Queen's House London BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir London London The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities London Design Museum Design Museum London Bank of England Museum Bank of England Museum London Churchill War Rooms Churchill War Rooms London Florence Nightingale Museum Florence Nightingale Museum London Postal Museum Postal Museum London Museum of Childhood Museum of Childhood London Jewish Museum London Jewish Museum London London St James's Park St James's Park London Green Park Green Park London Hampstead Heath Hampstead Heath London Battersea Park Battersea Park London Holland Park Holland Park London National Theatre National Theatre London Barbican Centre Barbican Centre London Charles Dickens Museum Charles Dickens Museum London Brixton Academy Brixton Academy London Brick Lane Market Brick Lane Market London

User attributes