© Historic Royal Palaces
The Tower of London is set to unveil a new display in its Jewel House, sharing the history of the world-famous Crown Jewels in the Coronation year.
Home of the Crown Jewels for nearly 400 years, the Tower of London is set to transform its Jewel House in May, with a new display exploring the history and significance of the Crown Jewels. The display will open just weeks after the world has witnessed the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
The Crown Jewels, part of the Royal Collection, are powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious, historic, and cultural significance. The new display will be the first major change to the Jewel House at the Tower of London for over a decade. A new exhibition, leading towards the Treasury where most of the Crown Jewels are kept, will explore the origins of some of the objects for the first time, including the destruction of the original jewels under Oliver Cromwell. The display will evoke the spectacle and pageantry of the Coronation procession and service.
The new presentation is the culmination of a major four-year project for Historic Royal Palaces, and aims to delve deeper into the history of both the collection and of Coronations in the Jewel House. It will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ – have passed from crown to crown.
The exhibition will then explore the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649, during the English Civil War. A Commonwealth coin from the era on loan from the British Museum will go on display, demonstrating how the melted gold once worn by medieval monarchs was re-used in the inter-regnum. The Coronation Regalia we see today was recreated for the Coronation of King Charles II: only the Coronation Spoon survives as a relic of the earlier medieval collection. The collection has been added to by succeeding monarchs ever since, most recently in 2020 with the addition of the 1969 Investiture Coronet for the then Prince of Wales, and the new display will follow the evolution of the collection through time.
At the heart of the new display will be a room dedicated to the spectacle, pageantry and community of the Coronation Procession. The display will present Coronation Processions throughout history, celebrating the contributions of the many people who take part in these unique events. On display will be a series of objects from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, including an exquisite court suit worn at the Coronation of George IV and a herald’s tabard which would have been worn during royal processions. The display will culminate in the Treasury, the vault that protects most of the Crown Jewels collection, comprising over 100 objects in total. Among the spectacular items on display in the Treasury is St Edward’s Crown of 1661, which is used at the moment of crowning and is the most important and sacred crown within the collection. The Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign’s Orb, which are presented to the monarch during the moment of investiture, are also on display in the Treasury. New lighting will allow visitors to experience the world-famous collection like never before.
Andrew Jackson, Resident Governor of the Tower of London and Keeper of the Jewel House, said, “We are delighted to unveil our brand-new Jewel House display from 26 May, offering visitors a richer understanding of this magnificent collection. As the home of the Crown Jewels, we are delighted that the Tower of London will continue to play its part during this historic Coronation year. We look forward to expanding the stories we are telling about the Crown Jewels, and to showcasing this remarkable collection for millions of visitors from around the world to enjoy.”
Charles Farris, Public Historian for the History of the Monarchy at Historic Royal Palaces, said, “The Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbols of the British Monarchy and hold deep religious, historic, and cultural significance. From their fascinating origins to their use during the Coronation ceremony, the new Jewel House transformation will present the rich history of this magnificent collection with more depth and detail than ever before. With 2023 bringing the first Coronation in 70 years, there has never been a better time for people to come and learn about the jewels and to appreciate these awe-inspiring objects in person.”
The new Jewel House exhibition opens to visitors on 26 May 2023 and is included in general admission.
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