Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, originally the Crown Jewels of England, are a special group of royal objects kept in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. These objects include the coronation items and clothes worn by British monarchs. They are very important and used in special ceremonies.

The coronation regalia are the only working set in Europe, and this collection is the most complete in the world. These objects show the monarch's role as the leader of the United Kingdom, the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and the head of the British armed forces. They have special symbols from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and other Commonwealth countries.

These special objects have been used since England became a Christian country in the Early Middle Ages. Most of the current items date from around 1660 when Charles II became king. The older items were lost during the English Civil War. Today, these jewels include many beautiful gemstones, like the large Cullinan diamond, and are seen by millions of visitors each year.

History

Prehistory and Romans

The earliest known crown in Britain was found in Deal, Kent, dating to between 200 and 150 BC. It was discovered in a tomb along with a sword, brooch, ceremonial shield, and a bronze crown. At this time, crowns were worn by religious and military leaders as symbols of authority. After the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD, priests continued to use crowns. A later dig in Norfolk revealed a bronze crown from the Roman period, along with special headbands and silver decorations.

Anglo-Saxons

After the Romans left Britain, new kingdoms formed under the Angles and Saxons. Kings used ceremony and special items to show their power. The tomb of a king, possibly Rædwald of East Anglia, contained a decorated helmet, sword, shield, and a special staff.

In time, monarchs began to be anointed with holy oil and crowned in Christian ceremonies, giving their special items a religious meaning. By the 9th century, gold became the standard material for crowns.

King Æthelstan united Anglo-Saxon areas into the Kingdom of England. The first English king shown wearing a crown was Edgar the Peaceful, who was also the first to use a sceptre during his coronation.

Edward the Confessor

Edward the Confessor is shown wearing a crown and holding a sceptre in an ancient tapestry. After Edward died without an heir, William the Conqueror became the first Norman king of England. William wore his crown three times a year to show his authority.

In 1161, Edward was declared a saint, and objects linked to him were kept at Westminster Abbey for use in future coronations.

Late medieval period

When rulers changed, crowns were handed over to show the transfer of power. After defeats in Wales and Scotland, their special items were taken to London. Monarchs sometimes used crowns as security for loans, and items were moved to the Tower of London for safety.

Tudors and early Stuarts

traditions continued with new items like the orb appearing. The Tudor Crown was used for several monarchs. After the English Reformation, the history of St Edward's regalia was downplayed.

When King Charles I needed money, he tried to sell some crowns, but faced difficulties. Conflicts with Parliament led to the English Civil War, and the regalia were sold to raise funds during this time.

Interregnum

After the monarchy was abolished, the new government sold the Crown Jewels. Most were melted down, but a few items survived, including two special crowns that had been taken out of England centuries earlier.

Restoration to present

When the monarchy was restored, new Crown Jewels were made for Charles II's coronation. They included items like St Edward's Crown, sceptres, and an orb. The Jewels were displayed publicly for the first time in 1669 but were stolen shortly after. Since then, they have been protected by guards.

During World War II, the most valuable stones were removed and hidden in Windsor Castle. After the war, the Jewels were kept safe until their home was repaired. In 2023, St Edward's Crown was used in the coronation of King Charles III, making it the only such ceremony in Europe today. The Crown Jewels now include around 140 objects and are seen by millions of visitors each year.

Crowns

Crowns are important symbols of royal power. All crowns kept in the Tower of London have decorations of crosses and flowers, with a special ball and cross on top. They often have a soft red or purple fabric inside and a white fur border.

St Edward's Crown

Main article: St Edward's Crown

The main crown used in royal ceremonies is St Edward's Crown, named after a past king. It is made of gold and finished in 1661. This crown has many sparkling stones like sapphires and rubies. It was originally made for a king’s special ceremony and has been used in many important moments since then.

Imperial State Crown

Main article: Imperial State Crown

Another important crown is the Imperial State Crown, worn when the monarch leaves a big church or during special events in Parliament. The current version was made in 1937 and has many diamonds and other precious stones, including a big diamond called the Cullinan II.

Consort crowns

After a big change in history, wives of kings started wearing special crowns made just for them. Each queen had her own crown made, like the Crown of Queen Alexandra, which had thousands of diamonds and a famous diamond called the Koh-i-Noor.

Prince of Wales coronets

The Prince of Wales, the king’s main heir, also has special crowns called coronets. The first one was made in 1728 and had one arch to show he was important but not the main king. Later, new coronets were made for other princes when they took on this role.

Non-coronation crowns

There are also crowns in the Tower that were never meant for big ceremonies. One is a small diamond crown made for Queen Victoria to wear on special days. Another is a crown made just for a ceremony in India, because the main crowns could not leave the United Kingdom.

Processional objects

A coronation begins with a special procession into Westminster Abbey.

The swords of state show the monarch's role as head of the British armed forces and defender of the faith. Three swords are carried before the monarch into the Abbey: the Sword of Mercy, the Sword of Spiritual Justice, and the Sword of Temporal Justice. These swords were made between 1610 and 1620. There is also the Sword of State, made in 1678, which shows the monarch's authority. During a coronation, the Sword of Offering is used. This fancy sword was made for George IV in 1821 and has many sparkly stones.

St Edward's Staff is a gold walking stick made for Charles II in 1661. It is carried into the Abbey by a special person and placed on the altar during the ceremony.

The Crown Jewels also include 16 silver trumpets made between 1780 and 1848. Some have red silk banners with coats of arms. These trumpets were once used at coronations and banquets but are not used anymore. Today, other bands play at special occasions.

Maces started as weapons but are now ceremonial objects that show a monarch's authority. The House of Commons and House of Lords each have their own maces. These maces are carried by special officers and are important symbols of law and order.

Anointing objects

When a monarch is anointed, the Dean of Westminster pours holy oil from an ampulla into a special spoon.

Ampulla

The Ampulla is a golden vessel shaped like an eagle. It was made in 1661 and holds holy oil used in special ceremonies. According to an old story, a religious figure gave a special oil to a leader long ago. This oil was used for many kings and queens until it ran out.

Coronation Spoon

The Coronation Spoon is very old, made in the late 1100s. It is silver and has four pearls added later. The Archbishop of Canterbury uses it to anoint the monarch. It is the oldest piece in the Crown Jewels and has a special shape with ridges on the bowl.

Robes and ornaments

The anointing is followed by investing with coronation robes and ornaments.

Robes

All the robes have special meanings and their style has changed little since old times. Wearing special robes for ceremonies stopped in 1547 but started again in 1603. Monarchs also wore special shoes or sandals. These special clothes were lost long ago, but new ones were made for each king or queen until 1911. Since then, some older robes have been used again. The robes are very heavy, weighing about 10 kilograms. In 2023, a new robe was made for King Charles III, with designs from older robes.

Spurs

Special golden spurs were made for King Charles II and are given to the monarch during the ceremony. They are decorated with flowers and have red velvet straps. These spurs show the monarch's role as leader of the armed forces. Spurs were first used long ago and were part of the ceremony for knights.

Armills

The gold bracelets, called armills, represent sincerity and wisdom. They were first used in the 12th century. New ones were made in 1661 and again in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II. The bracelets have special designs and small hidden hinges.

Orbs

An orb, a golden ball with a cross on top, was first used by King Henry VIII. The current orb was made for King Charles II and is very heavy. It is decorated with many precious stones and is given to the monarch during the ceremony. A smaller orb was made for Queen Mary II but was never used again.

Rings

The Sovereign's Ring has been worn by monarchs since 1831. It has a large blue stone with red stones forming a cross. Special rings were also made for other queens and kings in the past.

Sceptres

The sceptre is a special rod held by the monarch, showing their power. Two gold sceptres made in 1661 are used in the ceremony. One has a large diamond called Cullinan I, the biggest clear cut diamond in the world. The other sceptre shows a dove, representing peace. Special sceptres were also made for queens in the past.

Altar plate

In the Jewel House, there are special plates and cups made of silver and gold. These are used on the altars of Westminster Abbey during coronation ceremonies. Even though they are not part of the main crown jewels, they are kept there because they have been used for a very long time.

One famous piece is a large dish that shows a special Bible story in the middle and has other stories around the edges. It was made a long time ago and is used during coronations. There are also tall candle sticks placed at each end of the altar.

Some dishes and cups were made for a church near the Tower of London and are still used there during special holidays. There is also a special dish used in a ceremony where the monarch gives out coins to elderly people as a sign of respect for their service to the church and community.

Banqueting plate

The last big dinner for a king happened in 1821 for King George IV. Some special silver items used for these dinners include the Plymouth Fountain. This big wine container was made around 1640 by a craftsman from Germany and given to King Charles II by the city of Plymouth. It was covered in gold for King George II in 1726 and is very tall, with designs of flowers, fruit, dolphins, mermaids, and sea monsters.

Another impressive piece is the Wine Cistern, also called the Grand Punch Bowl. It looks like a giant oyster shell and can hold many bottles of wine. It was started in 1829 by King George IV but finished after he passed away. It is the heaviest piece of silver used for royal dinners that still exists today.

The Exeter Salt is a fancy salt holder shaped like a castle. It was made around 1630 in Germany and has many gems added later. It was originally meant as a gift to the Russian court but ended up with King Charles II. There are also smaller salt holders named after St George, made for special events long ago, and twelve special spoons made for King George IV in 1820.

Baptismal plate

Three special silver-gilt items used for royal christenings are kept in the Jewel House. Charles II’s large font, made in 1661, was used for special baby blessings. It features a figure of Philip the Evangelist showing a story from history.

There is also a French-style ewer and basin from 1735. It was only used for two christenings, including one for the future George III when he was very sick right after he was born. The ewer shows Hercules in an old story.

The Lily Font was created in 1840 for the first child of Queen Victoria. It is decorated with water lilies and cherubs with lyres, and has been used for many royal christenings. The holy water used comes from the River Jordan.

Ownership, management and value

The Crown Jewels belong to the Royal Collection and pass from one monarch to the next forever. Although they are very valuable, they are not sold or insured because they are considered priceless. A special person called the Crown Jeweller takes care of the jewels, cleaning them each year and helping when they are used in ceremonies. Experts from the British Museum help keep the older pieces safe. The Royal Collection Trust keeps records of the jewels, and Historic Royal Palaces looks after showing them to the public.