Medieval Guardian of Royal Treasures
Standing quietly across the road from the Houses of Parliament, the Jewel Tower is one of only two surviving buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster—the other being Westminster Hall. Built in 1365, this three-storey stone tower has witnessed over 650 years of British history.
Though dwarfed by its Victorian Gothic neighbour, the Jewel Tower offers an authentic glimpse of medieval Westminster, long before fire and rebuilding transformed the area into what we see today.
The Jewel Tower was built as a secure storage facility for Edward III's personal treasures, clothing, and valuables—known as the King's Privy Wardrobe. Its location within the palace grounds but set apart from the main buildings provided both convenience and security.
The tower was designed by master mason Henry Yevele, one of the most renowned architects of medieval England who also worked on Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. His sturdy construction has helped the building survive for over six centuries.
The L-shaped tower is built of Kentish ragstone, with a moat that still partially surrounds it. The original vaulted ceiling survives in the ground floor, and medieval stonework is visible throughout. Arrow-loops in the walls suggest the building was designed with defence in mind.
After Henry VIII moved the royal residence to Whitehall in 1512, the Jewel Tower took on new roles. From 1621 to 1864, it stored the records of the House of Lords, its strong walls and isolated position making it ideal for protecting important documents.
When fire destroyed much of the Palace of Westminster in 1834, the Jewel Tower's separation from the main complex saved it from destruction. The records it held survived unharmed.
From 1869 to 1938, the Jewel Tower served as the Standards Department of the Board of Trade, housing the official British weights and measures. This unlikely role saw the medieval treasury become the guardian of commerce, ensuring accuracy in trade across the British Empire.
Now managed by English Heritage, the Jewel Tower houses an exhibition about the history of Parliament. Displays explain how the building survived while the palace around it was destroyed, and explore the development of British democracy.
Visitors can see medieval stonework, climb through the three floors, and imagine the tower as it was when royal treasures filled its chambers. The surrounding moat and garden offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets nearby.
Address: Abingdon Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX
Opening Hours: Seasonal, check English Heritage website
Admission: Entry fee applies, free for EH members
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines)
