Jewel Tower, London (London)

The Jewel Tower, or 'King's Privy Wardrobe', was built c.1365 to house Edward III's treasures.

Summary Gift shop Information provided Learning facilities

Introduction

The Jewel Tower in London is one of only two surviving sections of the medieval royal Palace of Westminster, the other being Westminster Hall.

History to the present day

It was built in approximately 1365 to house the treasures of Edward III and its alternative name was the "King's Privy Wardrobe". It is a small three storey building constructed of stone, which stands across the road from the current Palace of Westminster, home of the British Parliament. It was located at the far southern end of the palace complex, and was built into the palace's defensive walls but was detached from the main buildings, which explains its survival of the great fire of 1834 which destroyed most of the palace.
The remains of a moat can be seen adjacent to the tower. Until 1834 the historic records of the House of Lords were stored here; they are now in the Victoria Tower and managed by the Parliamentary Archives.

Other facilities

The Jewel Tower contains an exhibition called "Parliament Past and Present".

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Jewel Tower, London, , United Kingdom

Openign times:

Last admission 1/2 hour before closing
1 Apr-1 Nov: 10am-5pm, 7 days a week
2 Nov-31 Mar: 10am-4pm, 7 days a week
24-26 Dec & 1 Jan: Closed
 

Prices:

Adult:£3.00

Children:£1.50

Concession:£2.60

 

Directions:

Address: Westminster - SW1P 3JX

Road Access: Located on Abingdon Street, opposite the southern end of the Houses of Parliament (Victoria Tower)

Train Access: Victoria and Charing Cross 3/4 mile, Waterloo 1 mileBus

Tube Access: Westminster 1⁄4 mile

 

All photographs copyright of English Heritage Photo Library