Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

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Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom

The Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom are a collection of ceremonial objects kept in the Tower of London and used in the coronation of British monarchs. The collection includes crowns, sceptres, orbs, swords, rings, and other regalia. These items are not only symbols of the monarchy but also hold significant historical and cultural value.

History

The origins of the Crown Jewels date back to the early Middle Ages. Many of the current pieces were created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661, replacing the medieval regalia that were destroyed during the English Civil War. The collection has been expanded and modified over the centuries, with new pieces being added for various coronations and state occasions.

Key Pieces

St. Edward's Crown

St. Edward's Crown is the principal piece of the Crown Jewels and is used to crown the monarch during the coronation ceremony. It is made of solid gold and adorned with precious stones.

Imperial State Crown

The Imperial State Crown is worn by the monarch during the state opening of Parliament. It is set with numerous gemstones, including the Cullinan II diamond and the Black Prince's Ruby.

Sceptre with the Cross

The Sceptre with the Cross is a symbol of the monarch's temporal power. It contains the Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Great Star of Africa.

Sovereign's Orb

The Sovereign's Orb represents the Christian world and is presented to the monarch during the coronation. It is a hollow gold sphere set with precious stones and a cross on top.

Coronation Ring

The Coronation Ring is placed on the monarch's finger during the coronation ceremony. It symbolizes the "marriage" of the monarch to the nation.

Security and Display

The Crown Jewels are kept under tight security in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. They are protected by the Yeomen Warders, also known as Beefeaters, and are on public display for visitors to view.

Cultural Significance

The Crown Jewels are not only valuable due to their materials but also because of their historical and cultural significance. They represent the continuity of the British monarchy and are used in various state ceremonies, including the State Opening of Parliament and coronations.

Related Pages

• Tower of London
• Coronation of the British monarch
• British monarchy
• Cullinan Diamond
• State Opening of Parliament
• Yeomen Warders