Across the road from the imposing Houses of Westminster, this simple, three-storey, 14th century tower often gets overlooked on the tourist trail. One of only two buildings forming part of the Palace of Westminster to survive the fire of 1834, the Jewel Tower boasts a stunning, untouched 14th century ribbed vault that more than warrants the trip across the road from the main Westminster parliament buildings. Built in 1365, the tower was used by King Edward III to store his treasures and wardrobe – remains of the original moat and medieval quay designed to secure the building can still be seen today. Items on display now include the Speaker's robes from the collection of the Houses of Parliament and an interactive touch-screen computer providing a virtual reality tour of both Houses of Parliament.
Best for:
14th century vaulted ceiling, medieval remains and ruins.
Also known as:
King's Privy Wardrobe
Did you know?
From 1869 to 1938 the Jewel Tower served as a weights and measures office.
Palace of Westminster
The Houses of Parliament
Parliament Square, Westminster, St Margaret Street, SW1A 0AA
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14th century royal tower.
