The History of the Crown Jewels of Great Britain
The Coronation and Royal Regalia of the British Monarchy
© Kim Rush
Jul 16, 2009
The Crown Jewels of Great Britain are a working collection of regalia. It includes a number of crowns, including the St. Edward’s Crown and Imperial State Crown, scepters, an ampulla and anointing spoon, orb, swords, coronations rings, and gold plate. The jewels contain a total of 23, 578 gems, including some of the most famous diamonds in the world, including the Star of Africa.
Edward the Confessor's Regalia
The first record of royal regalia used in a British coronation was at the coronation of Edward the Confessor, who became king in 1042 and was crowned the next year. His Great Seal depicts him with the same symbols of monarchy that are still used today. One side of the seal shows Edward seated on a throne wearing a crown, holding a staff topped with a cross in one hand and an orb in the other. On the other side, Edward is shown holding a staff topped with a dove in one hand and sword in the other. It is believed that he also wore a ring. The only other ornaments that are used in coronations today are the spurs, which is a symbol of knighthood. The spurs were introduced into the ceremony in the twelfth century after the idea of chivalry became popular.
During the reign of Henry III in the thirteenth century, the regalia was split into two sets. The first, St. Edward’s regalia, was used only at the coronation ceremony. The second set, the royal regalia, was used at coronations and at State occasions.
Destruction of the Crown Jewels
After the execution of Charles I in 1649, Oliver Cromwell ordered the destruction of the Crown Jewels in an attempt to eradicate all symbols of royalty. The gemstones were removed from their settings and sold. The gold was melted down. The only objects that survived were the ampulla, the anointing spoon, and the Elizabeth salt cellar. They were saved by the clergy at Westminster.
The Restoration of the Regalia
After the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660, Charles II ordered the creation of a new set of regalia modeled on the lost ornaments. The new regalia was designed by Sir Robert Vyner, the royal goldsmith. He was able to recover many of the gems sold by Cromwell. Apparently the buyers of the royal gems were Royalists. The new set of Regalia was completed in time to be used at Charles II’s coronation on April 23, 1661.
Since the reign of Charles II, all the regalia has been kept at the Tower of London, with the exception of a short period during World War II. In September 1940, many believed that the Germans might invade England so the Crown Jewels were taken to Windsor Castle for the remainder of the war.
There has only been one attempt to steal the jewels. In 1671 an Irishman named Colonel Blood would have been successful had not the keeper’s son returned early. Blood was arrested and the jewels were returned to their home.
With the exception of the crowns and coronations rings, the regalia used has remained virtually unchanged since 1661. They are housed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.
Sources:
The British Monarchy. “The Crown Jewels” (accessed July 16, 2009)
Butler, Colonel Sir Thomas. The Coronation Jewels and Coronation Ceremony. London: Pitkin Pictorials, 1992.
Historic Royal Palaces: The Tower of London. “Crown Jewels” (accessed July 16, 2009)
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