Jewel Tower - Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London, UK
N 51° 29.913 W 000° 07.562
30U E 699477 N 5709184
The Jewel Tower is one of only two surviving sections of the medieval royal Palace of Westminster. This lies to the west of the southern end of the Palace of Westminster.
Waymark Code: WMPZ1X
Location: London, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 11/14/2015
Views: 15
The
English Heritage website tells us about the tower:
The Jewel Tower dates back almost 650 years and is an
intriguing visitor attraction in the heart of Westminster. It was built
around 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and was known as the ‘King’s
Privy Wardrobe’.
One of only two buildings from the medieval Palace of Westminster to survive
the fire of 1834, the tower features a 14th century ribbed vault.
From April 2013, a new exhibition covering all three floors of the tower
will highlight Jewel Tower's history and changing role over the centuries.
Features will include a model of the 'lost' medieval palace of Westminster,
replicas of precious objects and areas of set dressing including an
18th-century clerk's office.
The building is Grade I listed with the entry at the
English Heritage website telling us:
Royal Treasure House or repository forming the south
west corner of the former Privy Palace. 1364-66, by Henry Yevele, with
windows and parapet renewed 1718-19. Principally stone rubble with Portland
stone dressed windows. L plan tower, with north polygonal stair turret. 3
storeys. Entrance in re-entrant angle. Round arched windows in the Hugh May
(Windsor) or Vanbrugh manner. Interior has tierceron vaults in basement
similar to those of the former Cellarer's Building No. 20 Dean's Yard, Broad
Sanctuary, q.v. 1st floor has C.17 brick vaulted strong room with iron door
dated 1621.