We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

What Is Jewel Tower?

By Angie Pollock
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Jewel Tower is a 14th-century building located in the heart of Westminster, England. The structure was originally built for safekeeping of King Edward III’s riches, giving the building the alternate name of the King’s Privy Wardrobe. Jewel Tower is one of the buildings that remained standing following the fire of 1834 that engulfed the medieval Palace of Westminster. The three-story tower now serves as a British museum providing visitors with various exhibits and historic lore.

Constructed near the edge of the royal gardens known as Privy Garden, Jewel Tower was drafted by Henry Yevele. The tower’s design included elevated walls, a moat, and an adjoining platform known as a quay. The tower itself was constructed primarily of Kentish rag stone. Its construction along with its location away from the main palace structures aided in the tower’s survival during the fire. Inside Jewel Tower is a ribbed vault which has remained preserved in its original 14th-century condition.

The fire of 1834 was preceded by another fire which would alter the course of the tower’s purpose. The Palace of Westminster was the primary residence for England’s kings up until the fire of 1512. King Edward III was reigning king during 1512 and he was the last king to use the Palace of Westminster as a royal home. King Edward III, along with most of his treasures kept in Jewel Tower, moved after the first fire. After the removal of the king’s jewels, the tower was utilized for safekeeping of the king’s wardrobe and later to store the documents of the House of Lords.

The fire of 1834 engulfed the House of Lords and later spread to other sections of the palace. The 1834 fire was caused from unsafe burning in two lower-floor stoves located in the basement of the House of Lords. Most of the structures that were part of the Palace of Westminster were destroyed including both Houses of Parliament. During the fire, Jewel Tower was primarily used to store historic records. These records and documents were later moved to Victoria Tower.

During the late 1860s through late 1930s, Jewel Tower was used to house the official weights and measures for the Board of Trade Standards Department. Following World War II, it came under management of English Heritage and was later opened to the public. Each floor of the tower features special exhibits highlighting the tower’s history, including the protection of the king’s treasures and the history of the weights and measures secured in the tower prior to World War II.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.