Scheduled MonumentsEnglandThe Jewel Tower

The Jewel Tower

England
List entry 1003580
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

The Jewel Tower is a stone tower standing within the Palace of Westminster complex, dating from the mid-fourteenth century. Built during the reign of Edward III, probably around 1365-1366, it originally served as a secure stronghold for royal treasures and valuables, hence its name. The structure is constructed of Kentish ragstone and stands three storeys high, retaining its crenellated parapet and displaying characteristic Perpendicular Gothic features. Following the great fire at Westminster Palace in 1834, the Jewel Tower became one of the few medieval structures to survive, and it has remained in use as a storage facility and latterly as a museum displaying artefacts related to parliamentary history.

The Jewel Tower is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1003580. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is The Jewel Tower?

The Jewel Tower is a stone tower standing within the Palace of Westminster complex, dating from the mid-fourteenth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1003580.

Who is responsible for protecting The Jewel Tower?

The Jewel Tower is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1003580.

What other scheduled monuments are near The Jewel Tower?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber in the abbey cloisters, Westminster Abbey (0.1 km), The Rose Theatre, Rose Court, Southwark (2.4 km), The Globe Theatre (2.4 km).

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