Jewel Tower, a medieval building in central London

Not everyone knows it or notices it, yet it is one of two remaining parts of the original Palace of Westminster. The Jewel Tower, built between 1365 and 1366 during the reign of King Edward III, was located in the southwest corner of the Palace of Westminster , located next to Westminster Abbey. The tower housed the values ​​and documents of most of the royal family. important and also valuable goods, consisting of jewels, dishes and fabrics.

Located in the heart of Westminster, the Gem Tower, initially recognized as the Gem House, is one of the two buildings of the Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 16 October 1834, which destroyed the famous medieval palace. From 1200 onwards that the Palace of Westminster was the principal residence of the English monarchy, and also the seat of the. court and numerous other government divisions.

The entire royal residence was delimited by a wall, which created the boundary, along which various portals and also towers were built, including the great entrance, as well as the Gem Tower. The design of the walls was innovative and guaranteed that no one entered the king’s garden, and therefore protected by a water-filled moat that was right in the Thames.

Once completed, the tower  consisted of 3 main floors connected by a spiral staircase, each floor with a large rectangular space and a small verse. The 2 upper floors were used to preserve the royal wardrobe, with the best possible items preserved. on the top floor, in closed wooden chests. On the ground floor lived the keeper of the king’s jewels.

It is his duty to ensure that all objects housed in the tower were registered correctly. The custodian is also responsible for lending objects to be used in other royal residences or banquets and for accepting their return, noting any breakages that could have required repairs.

Dalla great del 1300 onwards, a large variety of items were housed in the tower, many of which were pieces of silver platter, including serving plates, goblets, saucers, spoons, jugs and plates.

When there are no pandemics, you can visit the Tower which now belongs to English Heritage. It is located advertisement Abingdon Road on the opposite side of the Houses of Parliament.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *