Jewel Tower — A Hidden Gem of Medieval Westminster

A Survivor of Royal London

Tucked behind the Houses of Parliament, the Jewel Tower is one of the few surviving remnants of medieval Westminster Palace.
Built in 1365 for King Edward III, it originally stored royal treasures, jewels, and ceremonial objects.

Today, this small but mighty tower stands as a rare witness to 650 years of English history — from monarchy to modern democracy.

A Royal Treasure House

The Jewel Tower was constructed under the direction of William of Sleaford, Clerk of the King’s Works, and Henry Yevele, one of the leading architects of the age.
Its thick stone walls, moat, and iron doors protected the most valuable possessions of the royal household.

In later centuries, it became part of the House of Lords Record Office, preserving parliamentary documents and acts.
Therefore, its history reflects both royal splendour and civic evolution — a bridge between the crown and the state.

Exploring Jewel Tower
1. The Architecture

The tower’s three-storey design features original 14th-century stone vaulting and a medieval spiral staircase.
Small windows and narrow rooms hint at its defensive purpose.
Despite its size, it showcases masterful craftsmanship, built to endure fire, flood, and centuries of change.

2. The Exhibitions

Inside, interactive displays trace the building’s journey from royal storehouse to parliamentary archive.
You’ll see medieval artefacts, royal seals, and models of the old palace.
In addition, the upper floors offer views toward Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster, connecting past and present London.

3. The Setting

Surrounded by the bustle of modern government, the Jewel Tower remains a peaceful historic corner.
Its small garden and moat traces evoke the grandeur of the vanished palace complex.
For those seeking quiet history amid the city’s noise, it’s an ideal escape.

Learn more at the English Heritage official website

A Survivor Through Centuries

The Jewel Tower has endured fire, war, and urban transformation.
It survived the Great Fire of 1834, which destroyed most of the medieval palace, making it one of the last authentic structures of royal Westminster.
Furthermore, it stands as a symbol of endurance — a reminder of the craftsmanship and authority that shaped Britain’s capital.

Visiting Jewel Tower
How to Get There

Address: Abingdon Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3JX

By Tube: Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee lines) — 3 minutes.

By Bus: Routes 11, 24, 148, 211 stop nearby.

By Train: Victoria Station — 15-minute walk.

Opening Hours & Admission

Open daily, 10am–5pm. Entry ticket required; free for English Heritage members.

Facilities

Small gift shop

Step-free access to the ground floor

Audio guide and family trails available

Nearby Attractions

Westminster Abbey: Coronation church and royal tombs.

Palace of Westminster: Seat of the UK Parliament.

Churchill War Rooms: WWII command centre underground.

St James’s Park: Green refuge near royal landmarks.

Together, they form the Royal and Political Heart of London Trail.

Why Visit Jewel Tower?

The Jewel Tower may be small, but it tells a mighty story.
It’s a rare survivor of medieval London — where royal luxury met political power.

Whether you’re drawn to architecture, monarchy, or quiet history, this tower offers an intimate glimpse into centuries of change.

It’s not just a relic — it’s a precious piece of England’s royal and parliamentary past.