Chapter XVII: Appendix: D

“OF THE JEWELL HOUSE”

Copy of MSS. written or dictated by Sir Gilbert Talbot, Kt., appointed Keeper of the Jewel House, A.D. 1660-61, by Charles II. The original is in the possession of Mrs. Ethel M. Lowndes, The Bury, Chesham, Bucks.

Of the Jewell
House
With the ancient
rights
belonging
to the Maister &
Treasurer
thereof.

The Maister of y^e Jewell H. holdeth his place by Patent, for life under the Broad Seale of England to enjoy all the perquisites and privileges w^ch any of his predecessors at any time enjoyed which are as follows:

1. A Fee of 50£ per. an. out of the Exchequer.

2. A Table of 14 double dishes per diem.

3. 300£ per. an. out of y^e New years guift money.

4. The carrying of Presents to Embassadours.

5. The small presents at New yeare’s Tide.

6. Anciently Treasurers of y^e Chamber w^ch office was a branch of
y^e Jewell H.

7. Frequently Privy Counsaillers as Cromwell & y^e two Caryes.

8. Right to buy, keep & present all his Ma^tys Jewells (when given).

9. Choice of his under Officers.

10. Choice of the King’s and Queene’s Goldsmiths & Jewellers.

11. 20£ in gold, upon signing of the Goldsmiths Bill.

12. Lodgings in all y^e King’s Houses.

13. A close waggon (when y^e Court removeth) for his owne goodes; and
two carts for his officers.

14. Precedence in Courts & Kingdome.

15. Priviledg of the drawing roome.

16. Robes at the Coronation.

17. In Procession place before all the Judges.

18. He putteth on, and taketh off the King’s Crowne.

19. He keepeth all the Regalia.

20. He hath lodgings etc. in y^e Tower.

21. A servant there to keep y^e Regalia.

22. He hath noe superior officer.

23. He fournisheth plate to Embassad^rs and all the greate officers.

24. He remandeth it when Embassad^rs returne; & officers remove or
dye.

25. He provideth a Garter & plaine George for Kn^ts of y^e Garter.

26. The total of his Retrenchm^ts w^ch will serve to justify y^e
following preambe from vanity.

_Note._—The above rights and perquisites were handed over by Sir H.
Mildmay to Sir Gilbert Talbot in A.D. 1660.

_Note._—These were the rights, privileges and emoluments of his
predecessors, and Sir Gilbert Talbot goes on to relate how they had
been curtailed and withdrawn.

S^r Gilbert Talbot entered into the service of K. Charles y^e j^st at
Venice an: 1637, and served his Ma^ty XI yeares first as Resident
at 40^s. p. diem till the yeare 44, then as Envoye at 5£ per diem;
besides extraordinairies in both qualityes.

But by reason of the war, his Ma^ty was not able to send him any
supply in soe much that he was forced to spend of his owne, and
borrow of y^e English and Dutch merchants to the value of 13000£
which his then Ma^ty promised to repay with y^e interest w^ch
hath since trebled y^e principall.

But y^e war still growing more obstinate and S^r G. Talbot not able to
continue the expence begged leave of his Ma^ty to returne into
England to represent his condition w^ch was graunted him for 6
moneths; in Aug^st 44, he found the K^g at Bucannon and followed
his Ma^ty in the Army; till in 45 he was sent back to Venice, upon
an extraordinary occasion; with leave to returne when he should
think fitt, because his Ma^ty was not yet able to maintain him
abroad.

At his returne into England, in 46 his Ma^ty was pleased (a little
before he went to the Scottish Army thus to recommend him to the
Prince (now K^g).)

Son here is a gentleman who hath served me faythfully many yeares; and I
have never bin able, hitherto, to doe anything for him. I therefore
charge you to take notice of him & to see him well rewarded if I
should not live to doe it myself.

The K^g going away to the Scotts; the Prince into y^e West, and Oxford
surrendered S^r G. Talbot had his liberty upon those Articles. But
the Pr: being forced to fly: the K^g sold into the hands of the
English: and afterwards barbarously murdered; Sir G. Talbot offered
to goe over to y^e p^resent King in Paris; but was commanded to
stay in London to corrispond with S^r Rob^t Long then Secretary, and
to act for his Ma^tyes service on this side of y^e water. For
w^ch being afterwards discovered by Tom Cooke, he was made close
prisoner in Glocester; and there examined by Comis^srs upon 6
articles of high Treason (as they were pleased to terme them). But
they having noe proofes to make good any one article ag^st him he
had his liberty upon bayle; went over into France to his Ma^ty and
followed him in all his exile, till his restauration.

When every man (upon the prospect of his Ma^tys recall) was putting in
for employment. S^r G. T.; by the assistance of the D. of Ormond,
obtained the graunt of Maister of the Jewell-house forfeited by the
treason of S^r Hen: Mildmay and the reversion graunted by the Martyr
King to S^r Rob^t Howard (brother of the old E. of Berkshire)
vacated by his death.

Upon his Ma^tys returne S^r G. Talbot sent to S^r Hen: Mildmay (at the
time prisoner in Dover Castle) to lett him understand that the K^g
had bestowed the Jewell-house upon him; and to know if he would
peaceably surrender his Patent? he returned answere That he could
not give in the patent because it lay buryed amongst many confused
papers But he was ready before a Maist^r of Chancery to make a
formall resignation of the place which he accordingly performed

And promised moreover that if S^r G. T. would obteine from his Ma^ty a
pardon of his life he would give him half his estate. Whereunto S^r
G. T. reply’d that since he had soe freely resigned his office, he
would endeavour to serve him, without any other condition: but
desired him to send him a note of all the perquisites belonging to
the place, w^ch he did and they are those w^ch are specifyed in
y^e j^st page and shall hereafter be enlarged upon as they lye in
order.

S^r G. Talbot’s patent being passed (not w^thout strong opposition
from the L^d Chancell^r Hyde, who had shewed himself his enemy upon
other occasions; and had designed the Jewell-house for a
Presbyterian friend) he took possession of his lodgings; and entered
upon the execution of his office.

When the Chancell^r found that he could not obstruct the patent, his
next endeavour was to clip the profitts of the place, and therein
his malice prevailed as will appeare when y^e perquisites are
treated of.

* * * * *

The perquisites belonging to y^e M^r are as follows:

1. A Fee of 50£ per an payable half yearely out of the Exchequer: which
y^e Maist^r used to call for but once in two yeares, that he might
receive i00£ together: but when S^r George Downing became Secretary,
to the L^ds Commiss^rs of the Treasury, he (because there is a
small fee due to the Secretary for drawing up the order to the
Exchequer) enioned[27] all fees to take out separate orders for
every half yeare: w^ch exacting invention is still kept on foote:
although the fee for every order is exorbitant.

2. A Table of 14 double dishes per diem with bread beer wine etc., or
35^s. per diem board wages, if not served in kind. But y^e L^d
Chanc^r who sought all occasions to preiudice the Maist^r of the
Jewell H. put the K^g upon retrenchm^t of some of the tables: and
went in person to the Greenecloth (although altogether unqualifyed
as being noe Officer there) and cutt off the Maist^rs table, and
y^e Groome-porters, for company, that it might not look like
personall malice; in lieu whereof they allowed each of them i20£ p.
an: board wages: and for this they pleaded noe other ground, or
shadow of reason, but because it appeared in theyre books, that once
when the treasury was exhausted S^r H. Mildmay proposed to the K^g
the retrenchment of the tables & desired his Ma^ty to begin with
his. This the L^d Chancell^rs Law, & S^r H. Woods philosophy made
an argument to cutt off the dyet from the Jewell H.

And although S^r G. Talbot’s patent gave him all the rights that any of
his Predecessors at any time enioyed, there was noe releife to be
had in theyre Chancery.

S^r G. Talbot this theyre proceeding to his Ma^ty, but the Chancellor
yet swayed all things absolutely; and there lay noe appeale from
him.

For one yeare after they allowed him his dyet, at the greate Festivalls
(Christmass, Easter, and Whitsontide): but that was thought too much
and retrenched likewise.

3. 300£ p. an: out of the money presented by the Nobility, to the King,
at new-yeare’s-tyde; which usually amounted to 3000£. And the
profitt ariss to the Maister by 12^d in the £, and the advantage of
the gold; for it was ever given away and payd in silver, till Mr.
May came to the privy Purse, who gott it annexed to his office: by
w^ch meanes that branch was cutt off from y^e Maist^r of the
Jewell H. because the K^g was neither to pay poundage, nor allowance
for gold, and y^e Maist^r had noe consideration for it, till upon
the tender of severall petitions, his Ma^ty in an. 77 gave him, by
Privy Seale 400£ p. an: out of the new-yeare’s-guift money, during
pleasure.

4. The Maist^r of the Jewell H. received the value of 300£ p. an.
(communibg annis) by carrying presents to Embassadours, till the
j^st D. of Buckingham (who was an enemy to S^r H. Mildmay)
prevailed w^th the K^g first, to make all his presents in iewells
(and not in plate as had ever, till then, bin accustomed) and next
to send them by the Maister of y^e Ceremonyes (an office erected but
in K^g James his time).

Thus S^r H. Mildmay (by his professed ignorance in iewells, had the
buying of the iewells taken from the place, & usurped into the hands
of the L^d Chamberlan and the presenting of them, by his provocation
of the D. of Buck: transferred to the M^r of y^e Ceremonyes. Nay,
and the keeping of all the private Jewells, is now in the hands of
the page of his Ma^tys closet: although the L^d Chamberlaine in
what he buyeth, nor the sayd page in what he keepeth, hath any check
upon him to controll the account of the one, or the guardianship of
y^e other, whereas the account of the Jewell H. is under the
inspection of the L^d Treasurer, or a body of Comiss^rs when the K
pleaseth to appoint them.

Thus while S^r G. Talbot is Maister and Treasurer of his Ma^tyes
iewells & plate, he is made a stranger to all but y^e Regalia, which
alone is in his keeping.

v. The Maist^r of the iewell H. hath 28 ounces of gilt plate every new
year: and the small presents w^ch are sent to y^e K^g anciently
valued at 30 or 40£ together with the purses wherein the Lords
present theyre gold (w^ch were wont to be worth 30 or 40^s each.
These the L^d Manchester (when L^d Chamberlaine) claimed as due to
him: but S^r G. Talbot proved them to be his right: yet told his L^p
that if he liked any of them he should have them, as a guift, not as
a due.

The E. of St. Alban, who succeeded him, revived y^e same pretence, but
was opposed by the Maist^r and desisted. Yet usually the Maist^r
gives the L^d Chamberl: 5 or 6 at the Cupboard, as he doth to other
Officers & freinds y^t ask.

The profitt of allowance upon the ounces (issued out by guift from his
Ma^ty) S^r G. T. gave (for his time) to his under Officers: and
the carrying of presents to Resid^ts & Agents when made in plate,
chaines or medals.

vi. Anciently the M^r of y^e iewell H. was Treasurer of the Chamber,
till that branch was taken over, and made an office apart: and is
now five times more beneficiall than the iewell house: all the
regulation of expence being applyed to the remaining parts of the
perquisites of the iewell house; the fees of y^e treasur^r of the
Chamber and M^r of y^e ceremonyes being left entire.

vii. The Maisters of the iewell H. have bin frequently privy
Counsaillers, such was Cromwell[28] in y^e time of H. 8. And
appointed L^d Deputyes of Irel^d as the two Caryes.

viii. It belonged to the M^r of y^e iewell house to buy, keep, & present
all y^e iewells and plate that belonged to his Ma^ty but now that
right is invaded, see number 4.

ix. The Maister hath the choice of all his inferior Officers; and y^e
power of suspending or displacing them upon their misbehaviours.

When he first took possession of his Office, he called to one of his
Yeomen for the books which were in y^e keeping of old Layton, who
then attended in his moneth; the peevish old man who had lived long
in y^e office refused to deliver them whereupon Sir G. Talbot shewed
him the words of his patent; but he remained obstinate and insolent
& S^r Gilbert suspended him for waiting and acquainted his Ma^ty
with it who very well approved of what he had done: but y^e
passionate old man for very vexation of spirit dyed. His sonne had
the impudence to claime his father’s place; and upon refusall to
threaten an appeale to the K^g wherewith S^r G. Talbot acquainted
his Ma^ty who sayd, if he came, he should receive an answere.

After this Serg^t Painter (without any application to S^r Gilbert) went
boldly to the K^g and begged the reversion: and his Ma^ty
graciously graunted it. Painter thus armed came to S^r Gilb^t and
demanded to be admitted. S^r Gilbert asked whence he derived his
claime? he sayd: the K^g given it to him.

S^r Gilbert reply’d, he would receive y^e K^gs pleasure from himself;
and going to his Ma^ty asked him, if he had appointed Painter to
succeed Layton: he sayd, yes. S^r, sayd S^r Gilb^t it belongeth to
me, to choose my owne Officers, because y^e trust of all y^e
Ma^tys plate is by me committed to them. Well, sayd y^e K. for
this time let it pass, and I will invade y^e right noe more. S^r
Gilbert desired to know if his Ma^ty would be security for all y^e
plate intrusted in his hands? Noe indeed will I not said the K^g and
if that be requisite I recommend him not. S^r sayd S^r Gilbert this
expostulation is onely to show my right; and y^e danger of admitting
any without security: but since y^r Ma^ty hath made choice of him,
he shall stand, and accordingly he admitted him.

x. The appointment of y^e Goldsmiths and Jewellers both to the K^g and
Queene valued at 800£ each: (as the yeomens & Groomes places are
when vacant).

When his Ma^ty[29] came first into England Coronell Blage (a groome of
y^e bedchamb^r) begged the nomination of the Goldsmith & contracted
w^th alderman Backwell for 800£ but the alderman, when he
understood y^t it was the Maist^rs right, quitted his bargaine &
M^r Blage deserted his pretension.

xi. The Maister used to receive 20£ in gold from the goldsmith upon y^e
signing of his annuall bill: (and this was transmitted in the list
of perquisites from S^r H. Mildmay to S^r G. Talbot; yet would he
never require the same, least it might look like a bribe to y^e
Maist^r to cast a favourable eye over the account).

xii. He hath right to lodgings for himself, officers & servants in all
y^e K^gs houses. Those in Whitehall were, when the K. came in,
rude, dark & intermixed with the Queene’s servants.

The present dining roome was a kind of wild barne, without any covering
beside rafters and tiles. The Maisters lodgings were two ill
chambers, above stayres, and the passage to them dark at noone day;
his dining room was below. Sir G. T. being desirous to improve his
lodgings proposed to his Ma^ty an exchange betwixt that wilde
roome, and his dining-roome. The K. commanded the L^d Chamberl: to
view, and report w^ch he accordingly did: and told his Ma^ty
that S^r G^s proposall was fayre; and much to the advantage of the
Queen’s servants, whereupon leave was given him to build; and when
he had finished S^r E^d Wood came & claimed his former lodging as
being y^e Q^s serv^t.

S^r Gilb^t told him he was y^e K^gs servant, and had built by his
authority: and therefore presumed he had good title to y^t
apartment, and that the lower roome was his, if he pleased to like
it, he replyed had he would try his power; and went with a complaint
ag^st S^r G^t to y^e K^g who made him answere that if he would not
of the ground roome, he should have none. The angry K^t finding the
power of which he had boasted fayle him, sayd; he would then have
none. The K^g took him short at his word. And S^r Will^m Throgmorton
y^e K^t Mareschall being by, begged y^e chamber, and enjoyed it for
a yeare. But y^e nature of his place drawing greate concourse of
people thether, S^r G. thought it unsafe for y^e plate, represented
y^e danger to his Ma^ty who thereupon caused the K^t Mareschall to
be warned out. And least the chamber might draw ill company againe
he begged it for his Officers, who have enjoyed it ever since.

xiii. Vpon all removalls of y^e houshold the Maister of the Jewell H.
had ever a close waggon allowed him: for the transport of his
servants and goods: and his officers had a waggon, and a cart for
the plate.

xiv. The M^r of y^e Jewell H. was ever esteemed the j^st K^nt
Bachelour of England and took place accordingly.

He hath precedence of y^e establishm^t of the household, before the
Maist^r of y^e greate Wardrobe: and before y^e Judges in all publeck
processions being ever next to the privy Counsaillers.

xv. They had the privilege to goe into the drawing roome to the privy
chamber where none beside themselves, under the degree of Baron,
were permitted to come, when y^e gallery was kept private.

xvi. At the Coronation they weare scarlet robes almost like y^e Barons
robes, and dine at the Baron’s table in Westminster Hall.

xvii. At the opening or concluding of a session of Parliament and at the
passing of bills, when the K. appeareth in his robes the M^r of the
Jewell H. putteth the Crowne upon his Ma^tyes head and taketh it
off. And if he be absent or indisposed he deputeth a person of
quality to doe it. And y^e Maister alone hath right to kneele at the
steps below the K^g’s feete (and y^e black Rod at y^e corner of
the woolsack) although of late all y^e officers of the privy chamber
and Presence (& by theyre example strang^rs who have noe relation
to the Court) take up theyre places there, and possess it all before
the Maist^r (who attendeth upon y^e Crowne) can come.

xviii. He keepeth all y^e Regalia (& the plate that is not used by the
family) in the Tower and to that end had always convenient lodging
for himself officers and servants therein.

In the new lodgings given in lieu of y^e old (because it was pretended
y^t y^e chimneys might endanger the Magazin of powder which is
lodged in the White Tower) there is not any appartement for the
Maister upon complaint thereof made by S^r G. T. to the K. the
matter was by his Ma^ty referred to y^e consideration of y^e
Ordinance board, how he might have his accommodation, and y^e
officers of the board made Order that there should be two new
chambers built for him upon the left hand of the open stayres by the
present Jewell house, which are of absolute necessity to his
Ma^tyes service, because in case insurrection in the nation or
tumult in the city it is fitt the Maist^r should have his
convenience to watch over so considerable a charge.

xix. He hath a particular servant in the tower intrusted with y^e greate
treasure to whom (because Sir G. T. was retrenched in all the
perquisites and profitts of his place as is above specified) and not
able to allow him a competent salary, his Ma^ty doth tacitely
allow that he shall shew the Regalia to strangers, which furnisheth
him with soe plentifull a livelyhood, that Sir G. T. upon the death
of his servant there, had an offer made him of 500 old broad pieces
of gold for the place.

Yet he first gave it freely to old Mr. Edwards (who had bin his father’s
servant) whom Blud murdered, when he attempted to steale the crowne,
globe & scepter (as shall be related at large hereafter).

After the death of the father he continued it to his sonne; and after
his death he gave it to Maj^r Beckenham who maryed a daughter of old
Edwards upon condition that he should maintaine old M^rs Edwards
and y^e children which he hath well performed.

xx. The Maister of the Jewell H. hath noe superiour Officer in Court
over him. He receiveth noe command but from y^e K^g himself w^ch
is usually transmitted to him by warrant signed by the L^d
Chamberlaine or other Secretary of State signifying the K^g’s
pleasure.

And many times he received it by word of mouth from his Ma^ty unless
in case of greate importance wherein he usually desireth to have a
warrant to be enterd for his iustification and indemnity.

Yet sometimes the L^d Treasurer or particular commiss appointed for that
end inspect the state of the Jewell H. as they did an. 1673 and ’79.

xxi. The Maister of y^e Jewell house fournisheth all the greate Officers
of the household with plate; and all Embassad^rs that are sent
abroad they giving indentures to restore the same, when called upon
by him, and upon restauration he giveth back the indentures.

xxii. It is incumbent upon y^e Maist^r to call upon all Embass^rs for
theyre plate at theyre returne home; and upon the Executors of all
greate officers who dye w^th plate in theyre possession: and to
sue in y^e Excheq^r any that are indebted to y^e Jewell house which
debt cannot be privately compounded for by the Maist^r, but must be
satisfyed by award of Court: or cancelled by y^e K^g’s pardon
signified by privy Seale.

xxiii. If a knight of y^e Garter dye the Maister must send to his heyre
or execut^r for his Collar, George & Garter w^ch his Ma^ty gave
him at his installation:

and likewise to all serjeants for theyre Maces which are fournished
out of the Jewell H.

xxiv. All the retrenchments of the perquisites belonging by Patent to
S^r G. T. amount to 1300£ per an: which in 20 years since his
Ma^ty came into England arise to 26000£.

Besides 13000£ original debt for his xi yeares service under the last
K^g at Venice. Soe that if he had his right, there would be due to
him 39000£ beside 26 or 27 yeares interest for the last sume of
1300£ expended in the Venetian service.

S^r G. Talbot Maister & Treasurer of the Jewell house.

May y^e 20^th an: dom: 1680.

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INDEX

Abbot Wenlock, imprisonment of, 14

Agincourt, 146, 147, 148

Air Force, the, 216, 217

Air raids on London, 26-29

Alexandre de Pershore, monk who stole Crown Jewels, 14

Alfred, King, crown of, 13

Ammonites, crown of King of the, 12

Ampulla, or Golden Eagle, 71-74, 82, 101, 106

Anne, Queen, 40, 197

Anne Boleyn, 113, 114, 115, 116
Ghost of, in Martin Tower, 21
Letter from, 224-227

Anointing Spoon, the, 73, 82, 106

Anointing the King, ancient origin of, 82

Armilla, or Stole, 84, 101

Armoury, the, 19, 22

Aurungzabe, Emperor, treasury of, 167

“Auspicium Melioris,” motto of Order of St. Michael, 206

Battle of Agincourt, 146-147

Battle of Najera, 145

Beckham, Captain, 184, 186

Biddulph, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Michael, Keeper of the Jewel House, 125,
223

Bishop Fisher, 115

Bishop of Carlisle, 111

Black Prince, 143, 144, 145, 146

Black Prince’s Ruby, 37, 38, 93, 105, 144-151, 182, 183

Blood, Colonel. See Colonel Blood

Bloody Tower, 20, 21, 22, 24, 180, 184

Boleyn, Anne. See Anne Boleyn

Boleyn, George, Viscount Rochefort, 17, 21

“Bolleyn,” inscribed on wall in Martin Tower, 17

Bombs, dropped near Tower, 26-28

Boscobel. See Oak of Boscobel

Bracelets, ancient insignia of Royalty, 55

British Empire, expansion of, 189

Broad Seal of England, 131

Brudenell, Hon. James, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Bulwark Gate, 185

Burglars viewing the Crown Jewels, 25

Burmah War of 1886-1887, 215

Byward Tower, 185

Cage in Jewel House, 21

Campbell, John, Lord Glenorchie, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Cap of Maintenance, 36, 38, 39

Cardinal York, 57

Catherine the Great, 165

Cavalieri, 205

Chapel of the Pix, 13

Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, 78, 176

Charles I, 16, 62, 72, 118, 119, 120, 134, 160, 171, 234

Charles II, 17, 24, 37, 43, 48, 50, 54, 55, 57, 63, 65, 68, 69, 72,
73, 75, 76, 77, 93, 94, 95, 104, 107, 118, 119, 121, 132, 135,
160, 161, 174, 177, 188, 189, 232

Charles the Bold of Burgundy, 166

Chitterne, Thomas, Keeper of the Jewel House, 111, 221

Chubb, Messrs., the mechanical safeguards of, 25

Colonel Blood, 19, 25, 103, 104, 105, 122, 174-190

Commonwealth, 13, 17, 35, 36, 47, 48, 53, 62, 74, 83

Commonwealth, tragedy of, 91-108

Companions of Honour, decoration, 215

Conspicuous Gallantry Medal, 217

Coronation, ceremony of the, described, 80-90

Coronation ceremony of Queen Consort, 89-90

Coronation Chair, 87

Coronation of King George IV, Sir George Naylor’s book, referred to,
140

Coronation Proclamation, 67

Coronation Ring, 55-57, 85

Coronation Ring of Edward the Confessor, 38

Coronation Service, extract from, 87

Coster, Messrs., and the Cullinan diamond, 59, 163

Crime of Colonel Blood. See Colonel Blood

Crimean War, 211

Cromwell, 171

Cromwell, Thomas. See Thomas Cromwell

Cross of St. George, 56

Crown of Alfred the Great, 94-98

Crown of Queen Edith, 94, 98

Crowns of England. See Royal Crowns of England

Crown, ancient mark of sovereignty, 11, 12
King of the Ammonites’, 12
King Alfred’s, 13, 94
Queen Mary of Modena’s, 39, 42
Queen Mary’s, 41
Prince of Wales’, 42

Crown Jewels. See Regalia, the

Crown Jewels of England, The, alluded to, 97, fn. 7

Crown Jewels of England, The, quotations from, 97-100

Crown Jewels and the European War, 172

Cullinan diamond. See Star of Africa

Cullinan, Mr. T. M., 162

“Curtana,” or the Sword of Mercy, 54

Daffodil of Wales, 43

David, King, 12, 55

Demidoff, Prince, 167

Distinguished Conduct Medal, 217

Distinguished Flying Cross, 217

Distinguished Service Cross, 216

Distinguished Service Medal, 217

Distinguished Service Order, 214-215

“Doing Something-or-other Order,” 215

Don Pedro, King of Castille, 144, 145

Duc d’Alençon, 147

Duc d’Orleans, Regent of France, 168

Duchess of Brunswick. See Princess Augusta

Duke of Wellington, Constable of the Tower, 124

Earl of Essex. See Thomas Cromwell

East India Company, 155, 156

Ecclesiastical Plate. See Plate, Ecclesiastical

Eden, Hon. Emily, 155

Edward I, 14

Edward III, 111, 144, 192

Edward VII, 19, 25, 35, 43, 86, 107, 125, 161, 162, 163, 172, 199,
209

Edward the Confessor, 13, 36, 57, 110, 159, 160
Crown of, 228
Sapphire of, 159

Edward the Confessor’s Staff and Coronation Ring, 13

Edwards, Talbot. See Talbot Edwards

Egbert, King, 12, 13

Elizabeth, Queen, 16, 103, 167, 170, 171, 173

Emperor of Russia, the late, 195

English monarchy, oldest in Europe, 13

English Royal Family, length of pedigree of, 13

Enthronement. See Inthronisation

Exchequer, penurious, of Charles II, 177

Exeter, 103. See also Plate, Royal

Field-Marshal Earl Haig, 197

Fisher, Bishop, 115, 116

Flete, John de, Keeper of the Jewel House, 111, 221

“For God and Empire,” motto of Order of the British Empire, 210

“For Merit,” motto of Order of Merit, 199-200

“For Valour,” motto on Victoria Cross, 213

Fouché, 31

Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, 76

French Crown Jewels, 168

Garrard, Messrs., Court Jewellers, 39, 41, 43, 87, 137, 150

Garter, composition of the, 195

Gawler, Colonel John Cox, Keeper of the Jewel House, 125, 223

Gentlemen of the Blood, meaning of the phrase, 193

George I, 68, 123

George II, 123

George III, 57, 76, 123, 161

George IV, 52, 76, 161

George V, 13, 37, 38, 81, 107, 172, 210

German Emperor, the, 26, 194

German lady, interesting story of, and Crown Jewels, 25

Ghost, Earl of Northumberland’s, story of, 19, 20
Story of Queen Anne Boleyn’s, 21

Godfrey, Charles, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Golconda, King of, 151

Gold maces, 68, 69

Gough, General Sir Hugh, Keeper of the Jewel House, 125, 223

Great Gems, romance of the. See Romance of the Great Gems

Great Moghul diamond, the, 167

Great Mogul, the, 151

Great Tragedy, the, 91-108

Great War, the, 13, 26, 33, 67, 172, 210, 212, 213, 215, 216, 219

Haig, Field-Marshal Earl, 197

Hampton Court, 113

Henrietta Maria, widow of Charles I, 167

Henry III, 14, 110

Henry V, 146, 149

Henry VII, 148

Henry VIII, 54, 95, 112, 114, 116, 117, 120, 224

Henry IV of France, 166, 167

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, 18, 20

Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland, father of above, 20

Heriot the Astronomer, 18

“Honi soit qui mal y pense,” motto of the Order of the Garter, 192,
195

Hope diamond, the, 168

“Hotspur.” See Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland

House of Commons, 68, 92, 93

House of Lords, 42, 80, 92

Hyde, Lord Chancellor, 132, 237

“Imperatricis Auspicus,” motto of Order of Indian Empire, 208

Imperial Crown of India, 35, 38-39, 228

Imperial Mantle or Pall of Cloth of Gold, 84

Imperial State Crown, 35, 228

Imperial War Museum, 27

Income taken from visitors to Jewel House, 90

Inthronisation, the, 88

Iron Gate, 185, 186

James I, 16, 118, 171

James II, 40, 57, 68, 73, 104, 105, 106, 141, 160, 167

Jewel House, the, 11-33 et seq.

Jewelled State Sword, 51-53, 84, 229

Katherine, widow of Henry V, 148

Katherine of Aragon, 114, 115

Keeper of the Jewel House—
Appointment of the first by Henry III, 14
Christmas box of, 129
Office suppressed in 1782, 124
Office duties of, transferred to Lord Chamberlain, 124
Office lays dormant for years, 124
Office revived by Queen Victoria, 124
Perquisites of, 127-135
Robes worn by, 139
Salaries of, 127-134
Sergeant Painter seeks post of, 135, 136
Sir Gilbert Talbot’s account of the ancient rights and privileges
of office, 131-132
Tips of, 130

Keepers of the Jewel House, List of, Appendix A, 221-223

Khojeh, Raphael, 165

King Harold, 94

King’s Coronation Ring, presented by William IV to Princess
Victoria, 56, 229

King’s Orb, 47, 48, 49, 229

King’s Royal Sceptre, 43

King’s Sceptre with the Dove, 44, 45, 87

King’s State Crown, 36, 37, 38, 50, 57

Knight Commander, 203, 204

Knights of the Bath, 201, 202, 203

Knights of the Garter, 194, 195, 196, 198

Koh-i-Nur diamond, the, 41, 151-159, 168
Model of, 58-59, 231

Lady Jane Grey, 117

Lawley, Sir Francis, Keeper of the Jewel House, 122, 222

Lawrence, Sir John, and the Koh-i-Nur diamond, 156-157

Lieutenants’ Lodgings, 21

List of the Regalia. See Regalia, complete list of the

Long, Sir Robert, 236

Lyttleton, Sir Richard, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Loftus, Captain Arthur John, Keeper of the Jewel House, 125, 223

Lord Auckland, 155

Lord Chamberlain, duties of, 124

Lord Gough, 155

Lord Manchester, 134

Lord Roberts, 213

Louis XIV, 167

Lowndes, Mrs., 131 n., 232

Low, General Sir Robert, Keeper of the Jewel House, 125, 126, 223

Lucknow, 26

Mace-bearers, 69

Maces, 229

Macheson, Major, 157

Maharajah Punjeet Singh, the Lion of the Punjab, 155

Maharajah of Patiala, 167

Mahomed Shah, 152, 153, 154

Martin Tower, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 33, 175, 176, 180, 183

Mary of Modena, 39, 40, 42, 45, 46, 105, 106

Mary, Queen, 41, 107

Master of King’s Wardrobe, 110

Maundy Dish, 74, 76, 107, 231

Maundy Money, 75, 107

Maundy Thursday, 75, 107

Merry England, 175

Mezeray, 72

Middle Tower, 16, 17, 185.
See also Martin Tower

Middleton, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Frederick, Keeper of the Jewel House,
125, 223

Mildenhall, Robert de, Keeper of the Jewel House, 111, 221

Mildmay, Sir Henry, Keeper of the Jewel House, 118-121, 131, 134,
222, 234, 236, 238, 240, 244

Military Cross, 216

Military Medal, 217

Mint, bombs on, 173

Mitcham, archæological discovery at, 96

Modern invention, a, 114

More, Sir Thomas, 115, 116

Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael, 205-206

Mountague, Heneage, Keeper of the Jewel House, 122-123, 222

Mountain of Light. See Koh-i-Nur diamond

Nadir Shah, King of Persia, 152, 153

Napoleon, 203

“Nemo me impure lacessit,” motto of Order of the Thistle, 197

Neville, William, Lord Abergavenny, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123,
222

Nicholas I, Emperor of Russia, 166

Northumberland’s walk, 19.
See also Ghost, Earl of Northumberland’s

Oak of Boscobel, 38

Old Pretender, the, 161

Orb, the, ancient Christian emblem, 47, 81
Its use in Coronation ceremony, 84

Orbs, description of, 47, 48

Order of the Bath, 200-201

Order of the British Empire, 210

Orders of Chivalry, 191-219

Order of the Crown of India, 210-211

Order of the Garter, 56, 191-194

Order of the Golden Fleece, 201

Order of the Indian Empire, 206, 207, 210

Order of Merit, 199

Order of St. Patrick, 198-199

Order of the Star of India, 207

Order of the Thistle, 196, 197-198

Orloff diamond, the story of the, 165

Owen Tudor, husband of Katherine Henry V’s widow, 149

Pall of Cloth of Gold. See Imperial Mantle

Parrett, confederate of Col. Blood, 150, 183, 187

Patiala, Maharajah of, 167

Paulet, William, 116-118

Pearl of Portugal, deterioration of, 169-170

Pearls, description of, 169-170

Pitt, Mr., Governor of Madras, owner of Regent diamond, 168

Plate, Ecclesiastical—
Ampulla or Golden Eagle, 71, 230
Anointing Spoon, the, 73-74, 230
Flagons, 77, 78
Gold alms dish, 77, 78
Gold baptismal font, 76, 230
Maundy Dish, 74, 75, 76
William and Mary’s alms dish, 74, 230
Charles II’s font, 77

Plate, Royal—
Exeter’s and Plymouth’s contribution to the, 63, 103
King Charles’ wine fountain, 230
Queen Elizabeth’s gold salt-cellar, 62, 66
Renewal of, by Charles II, 17
St. George’s Salts, 65-66
State salt-cellar, 63-65, 230
Twelve golden salt-spoons, 66, 230
Two golden tankards, 67, 230

Plymouth, 103, 104.
See also Plate, Royal

Polar Star diamond, Russian, 166

Political agitation in India, 208

Postern Row, 29

Premier Mine, South Africa, 164

Prince of Wales’ Coronet, 42

Prince of Wales’ Crown, 42, 228

Princess Augusta, 76

Princess Victoria, 85

Punjab, the, 155, 156

Puritan, description of a, 93

Queen Consorts, ceremony of the Coronation of, 89

Queen Elizabeth’s gold salt-cellar, 103

Queen Elizabeth’s pearl ear-rings, 37, 38, 170, 171, 172

Queen Mary’s Crown, description of the, 41-48

Queen Mary of Modena. See Mary of Modena

Queen Victoria and the story of the Coronation Ring, 56, 86

Queen Victoria’s baptismal font, 76

Queen’s Coronation Ring, 229

Queen’s Ivory Rod, description of, 46

Queen’s Orb, 47, 48, 49, 229

Queen’s Sceptre with the Cross, description of, 45, 46

Queen’s Sceptre with the Dove, description of, 46

“Quis separabit?” motto of Order of St. Patrick, 198, 199

Raleigh, Sir Walter. See Sir Walter Raleigh

Regalia, the—
Abbot and Monks of Westminster first guardians of, 13
Abbot Wenlock’s imprisonment for stealing, 14
Alexandre de Pershore steals Crown Jewels, 14
Ampulla, or Golden Eagle, 72, 73
Anointing spoon, 73
Baptismal font of Charles II, 76, 77
Bargaining with Crown Jewels, 93
Black Prince’s Ruby, story of the, 144-151
Bogus jewel, a, 57-58
Bracelets, 55
Cage constructed to contain, 19
Cap of Maintenance, 36, 38, 39
Catalogue of Coronation robes destroyed, 101
Chapel of the Pix, Westminster Abbey, first Treasure House, 13
Chubb, Messrs., construct mechanical safeguards for safety of, 25
Colonel Blood and Crown Jewels, story of, 174-190
Colonel Blood’s attempt to steal Jewels draws attention to its
insecurity, 19
Commonwealth and, 91-108
Complete list of Regalia, Appendix C, 228-231
Crown, Sceptre, and Orb re-made in Charles I’s reign, 17
Coronation rings, 55
Coronation ring bequeathed to George III by Cardinal York, 57
Coronation ring of Edward the Confessor, 57
Coronation robes, 101
Crown jewels destroyed by order of Cromwell’s Parliament, 92
Crown of Alfred the Great, melting down of, 94
Cullinan diamond, model of, 59
Cullinan diamond, story of the, 161-165
Damage to, by Colonel Blood, 104, 105
Ecclesiastical Plate, 71-79
Edward the Confessor’s Sapphire, story of, 159-160
Exeter presents Charles II with State salt-cellar, 63
Fire imperils the, 22
Flagons, the, 77
Gold maces, description and uses of, 68
Gold tankards, 67
Golden alms dish, 78
Golden Eagle. See Ampulla
Golden Spurs, 54;
sale of, 96
Great Tragedy, the, 91-108
Great Gems, romance of the, 143-173
Ingenious stories re Crown Jewels during Great War, 30-32
Inventory of portions of Regalia broken up and sold by order of
Parliament, 97, 99
Jewelled State Sword, 52, 53
Keepers of Regalia, Appendix A, 221-223
King’s Sceptre, great value of, 44
Koh-i-Nur, model of, 58-59
Koh-i-Nur, story of the, 151-159
Lodged in White Tower, 15
Martin Tower, Treasure House, 17
Maundy Dish, 74-76
Mitcham, excavation at, 96
“Mountain of Light, the,” 59
Official Keeper first appointed, 14
Orbs, the, 47-49
Plate, public offers to supplement destroyed emblems, 103-108
Plymouth presents Charles II with wine fountain, 63
Queen’s Sceptre with the Dove, 46
Queen’s Orb originated by Mary of Orange, 48
Queen Elizabeth’s gold salt-cellar, 62, 66
Queen Elizabeth’s gold ear-rings, stories of the, 167-173
Renewal of Plate in Charles I’s reign, 17
Renewal of destroyed emblems, 101-103
Richard de Podelicote buys Crown Jewels, 14
Royal Plate, 61-70
Royal emblems taken to Westminster Abbey at Coronations, 80
Royal Crowns, 34-43
St. George’s Salts, 65, 66
St. George’s Spurs. See Golden Spurs
Sale of portions of the, 93, 95, 96
Sceptres, the, 43-47
Silver trumpets, 67
Star of Africa, 37, 41, 43, 44, 59, 161-165
Story of Coronation Ring and Queen Victoria, 85-88
Story of St. George’s Salts, 65
Strong cage constructed to contain, 19
Stuart Sapphire, 160-161
Sword of State, the, 53
Swords Spiritual, Temporal, and of Mercy, 54
Talbot Edwards sole guardian of, 18
Transferred to Tower, 14
Twelve gold salt-spoons, 66
Wakefield Tower present abode of, 22

Regalia, complete list of the, 228-231

Regent, or Pitt diamond, 168

Relief of Chitral, 125

Restoration, 62, 63, 74

Richard III, 148

Richard of Gloucester, 24

Rod of Justice and Equity. See Sceptres

Romance of the Great Gems, 143-173

Rose of England, 43, 51

Royal Assent, the, 68

Royal Bounty, ancient custom of distributing, 75

Royal Crowns of England, 35, 81, 228

Royal Mint, bomb dropped on, 28

Royal Plate. See Plate, Royal

Royal Victorian Order, 209

Ruby, Black Prince’s. See Black Prince’s Ruby

St. Edward’s Chair, 88

St. Edward’s Crown, 35, 87, 101, 105

St. Edward’s Staff, 47, 101, 105, 106

St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, 195

St. George’s Salts, 65-66, 104

St. George’s Spurs, 54, 96, 106, 229

St. John’s Chapel, White Tower, 15, 24, 202

St. John the Evangelist, legend of, and the Coronation Ring of
Edward the Confessor, 159

St. Patrick’s Jewels, theft of, 19, 25

St. Paul’s, 175

St. Peter ad Vincula, 70

St. Thomas’ Tower, 29

Salts of State. See Plate, Royal

Samuel, the prophet, 12

Sanci diamond, the story of, 166

Saul, King, 12, 55

Sceptres—
James I’s Sceptre with the Dove, 228
King’s Royal Sceptre with the Cross, 43
King’s Sceptre with the Dove, 44, 45, 87, 228
Queen’s Ivory Rod, 46
Queen’s Sceptre with the Cross, 45, 81, 228
Queen’s Sceptre with the Dove, 46, 81, 228
Rod of Justice and Equity, 47
St. Edward’s Staff, 47, 228

“Scotland for Ever,” painting by Lady Butler, 125

Sergeant Painter, 135, 243

Sergeant, story of a courageous, 22

Sergeants-at-arms, 62, 68, 69, 89

Shah diamond, the, 165, 166

Shah of Persia, 168

Shamrock of Ireland, 51

Sherlock Holmes, 31

Silver trumpets, used at Coronations, etc., 67

Sinn Feiners, 198

Sir Edward Walker quoted, 101-102

Sir Gilbert Talbot’s MSS., 121-122, Appendix D, 232-249.
See also, Talbot, Sir Gilbert

Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, 167

Sir Robert Brackenbury, Constable of the Tower, 24

Sir Thomas More. See More, Thomas

Sir Robert Vyner, Court Jeweller, 48, 54, 55, 72, 100, 106, 182

Sir Walter Raleigh, never imprisoned in White Tower, 15 and fn. 1

Solomon, throne of, 12

Somerset, the Lord Protector, 117

South African War, 212

Sporley, 94

Star of Africa, 37, 41, 43, 44, 59, 161-165

Stars of South Africa, 164-165

Story relating to St. George’s Salts, 65

Strange appointment, a, 116

Stuart sapphire, 37, 160-161

Sword of Justice, 96

Sword of Mercy, 96.
See also “Curtana”

Sword of State, 53, 82, 229

Sword Spiritual, 54, 96, 229

Sword Temporal, 54, 96, 229

Talbot Edwards, Assistant Keeper of the Jewel House, 18, 175-184,
248

Talbot, Sir Gilbert, Keeper of the Jewel House—
And James II, 106
Appeal to Charles on behalf of Talbot Edwards, 177
Grievances and complaints of, 131-134
His MSS., Appendix D, 232-249
His suspicions of the sentry, 185
In impoverished circumstances, 121
Made Master and Treasurer of the Jewel House by James, 122
Neglect of duty, 104
Our debt to, 130
Petitions Charles II, 132
Preamble of, 131-132
Resided chiefly at Whitehall, 18

Talent, equivalent 12

Tavernier, French traveller, 151

Thistle of Scotland, 51

Thomas à Beckett, 111

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, 112, 113, 114, 115, 194, 130, 224

Three Reproaches, the, 193

Tower from Within, The, referred to, 202 n.

Tower of London—
Air raids and, 26-29
Anne Boleyn’s imprisonment in, 17
Armoury, the, 19, 22
Bloody Tower, 20, 21, 22, 24, 180, 184
Bombs dropped near, 26-29
Builder of, 159
Bulwark Gate, 185
Byward Tower, 185
Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, 176
Colonel Blood’s crime, 174-190
Crown Jewels placed in Martin Tower by Charles II, 17
Doubt about name of Martin in Martin Tower, 16, 17
Executions at, 105, 116
German air-raids and the, 26
German lady’s visit to, during Great War, 25-26
Ghosts in, 20, 21
Henry Percy murdered in, 20
Henry VI murdered in, 23, 24
Heriot’s imprisonment in, 18
Hotspur’s imprisonment in, 18, 20
Iron Gate, 185, 186
Jewel Houses of, 15, 16
Lieutenants’ Lodgings, 21
Martin Tower, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 33, 175, 176, 180
Middle Tower, 16, 17, 185
Murder of Princes in, 24
Northumberland’s Walk, 19
Once the residence of monarchs, 23
Queen Elizabeth’s imprisonment in, 23
Special Jewel House built in 1597, 16
Sir Robert Brackenbury, Constable of Tower, 24
St. John’s Chapel, 15
St. Thomas’ Tower, 29
Sir Walter Raleigh’s confinement in, 15
Thomas Cromwell escorts Anne Boleyn to, 115
Traitors’ Gate, 22
Visits to see Crown Jewels, 90
Viscount Rocheford’s imprisonment in, 17
Wakefield Tower, 22, 23, 24, 33
White Tower, 15, 24, 33, 63, 80

Townshend, Charles, Lord Lynn, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Tragedy, the Great. See Great Tragedy

Traitor’s Gate, 22

Treasure House of the King, 12

Tsar of Russia, the late, 165

Two young Princes, murder and burial of by Richard, 24

Union of South Africa, 161, 162, 164

Vane, Henry, Earl of Darlington, Keeper of the Jewel House, 123, 222

Victoria, Queen, 56, 67, 76, 77, 85, 104, 124, 125, 157, 158, 161,
171, 205, 206, 209, 211, 214

Victoria Cross, 211-214

Victoria Cross Warrant, quoted, 212

Vyner, Sir Robert. See Sir Robert Vyner

Wakefield, William de, 23

Wakefield Tower, 22, 23, 24, 33

Westminster Abbey, 13, 14, 33, 81, 110, 159

Whitehall, 18, 244

White Tower, 15, 24, 33, 63, 180
St. John’s Chapel in, 15, 24, 202

William and Mary, 48, 68, 74, 76, 78, 106, 107

William de Wakefield. See Wakefield Tower

William III, 48

William IV, 56, 85, 161

William the Conqueror, 159, 172, 173

Windsor Castle, 32, 33, 76

Wolsey, Cardinal, 112, 113

Wyndham, Lieut.-Col. Charles, Keeper of the Jewel House, 124, 223

Wynne, Sir Arthur, Keeper of the Jewel House, 31, 126, 223

Younghusband, family of, 18 n.
See also Henry Percy, Earl of Northumberland

Younghusband, Major-Gen. Sir George, 126, 223

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnotes

-----

Footnote 1:

It is very clear from all historical records that Sir Walter Raleigh
was never imprisoned in the White Tower, so that a misguiding notice
in the crypt might well be removed.

Footnote 2:

This Henry Percy, “Hotspur,” appears as an early ancestor in the
genealogy of the Younghusband family.

Footnote 3:

See Chapter XI.

Footnote 4:

See Chapter X.

Footnote 5:

See p. 151.

Footnote 6:

See p. 162.

Footnote 7:

_The Crown Jewels of England_, by Younghusband and Davenport, p. 34.

Footnote 8:

See p. 96.

Footnote 9:

From the Coronation Service.

Footnote 10:

_The Crown Jewels of England_, by Major-General Sir George
Younghusband and Cyril Davenport.

Footnote 11:

A stole made of cloth of gold.

Footnote 12:

See p. 73.

Footnote 13:

_The Crown Jewels of England_, by Younghusband and Davenport.

Footnote 14:

See p. 74.

Footnote 15:

See p. 78.

Footnote 16:

See Appendix B.

Footnote 17:

Now spelt Glenorchy.

Footnote 18:

See Appendix A for list of Keepers from 1042-1920.

Footnote 19:

From the MS. written in 1680, in possession of Mrs. Lowndes. See
Appendix D.

Footnote 20:

See p. 183.

Footnote 21:

Afterwards Lord Lawrence and Viceroy of India.

Footnote 22:

See _The Tower from Within_, Chapter VIII.

Footnote 23:

Victoria Cross Warrant, 1856.

Footnote 24:

These have been lately considerably increased.

Footnote 25:

Eighteen million medals are in course of being struck.

Footnote 26:

Named at various periods, Master and Treasurer of the Jewel House,
Keeper of the Regalia, Keeper of the Crown Jewels, and as now Keeper
of the Jewel House.

Footnote 27:

Enjoined.

Footnote 28:

Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex, temp. Henry VIII.

Footnote 29:

King Charles II.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

● Transcriber’s Notes:
○ Footnotes have been gathered together and appear after the
Index.
○ An entry for the Footnotes has been added to the Table of
Contents.
○ The abbreviation of a tilde (~) over the letter “m” was
replaced by “mm” on pages 239, 244 and 248.
○ Page 238 - “he might i00£ together” was changed to “he might
receive i00£ together”.
○ Missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected.
○ Typographical errors were silently corrected.
○ Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only
when a predominant form was found in this book.
○ Text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores
(_italics_).
○ Words quoted from old texts often contain abbreviations where a
caret (^) is followed by one or more superscript characters.
For example, “K^g” instead of “King”.