Jewel Tower image

Jewel Tower

Tourist attraction Museum History museum Heritage museum Historical place museum

Tower of the original 14th-century Palace of Westminster, with ribbed-vault ceiling and exhibition. People often mention Westminster, tower, history, visit, small, building, English, Palace, London, Heritage,


Address

Abingdon St, London SW1P 3JY, United Kingdom

Website

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Contact

+44 370 333 1181

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (528 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Westminster (27) tower (25) history (22) visit (22) small (17) building (16) English (15) Palace (14) London (14) Heritage (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Dermot T. 2 years ago on Google • 443 reviews
    This is one of the main remaining buildings of the original Palace of Westminster. The rest were destroyed by fire and the current Houses of Parliament now sit on those. The tower itself has thick walls as it was once the repository for Bills which were written on vellum and stored in a safe and cool place. It was also where imperial units were defined and standard weights and measures held. The site is maintained by English Heritage.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Becky T. 2 years ago on Google
    This can easily be seen in about 20 minutes as it’s two main rooms plus two smaller rooms with a few signs in each. It did have some interesting history, and showed how the area has changed since originally built in the 14th century, info on documents held here, and that the imperial weights system began here. However, it’s not a ton of material so may want to gauge expectations. It’s perhaps a bit expensive to enter, though free with an English Heritage membership. Practical matters: it is two flights of winding stairs up and down, and has a tiny cafe in the ticket entrance area.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim H. 6 months ago on Google • 755 reviews
    Lovely little English Heritage place with so much history. It's small but quite a few interesting things to see. Easy to miss, I saw it just by accident and glad I went in. Give it a go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guy B. 1 year ago on Google • 482 reviews
    Hidden in plain sight, opposite the Houses of Parliament and next door to Westminster Abbey. Well worth a visit, but you need to be reasonably fit to manage the stairs. The staff are very helpful.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 dave p. 1 year ago on Google
    This small building dates back over 650 years when it was built to store king Edward III treasures. Full of history as its use has changed over the years. Worth the small entry fee.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom (. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely small tower situated in Westminster, one of few original remnants of the palace. It is a small tower, on two levels accessed via spiral stairs (no lifts). Detailing the history of the tower and the former Westminster palace. It is quite a hidden jewel, for those interested in history.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rick J. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the lesser known sites in London is the Jewel tower, just across from the Palace of Westminster and one of the few buildings that survived the fire of 1834. There is also a nice garden surrounding it and the remains of the moat that protected it. It was originally built 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and was known as the "King’s Privy Wardrobe" until 1512 when the Royal family moved to Whitehall after a fire. After this it became the host for all documents and records for the House of Lords which then were moved to a new archive after the terrible fire of Westminster in 1834 and the tower was then occupied by official weights and measures until just after WW2 when it became part of English heritage. Apart from the garden and the moat there are two floors that are open to the public which displays some of the original ornaments, official weights and measures and the record storage. It is a nice rainy day museum that will compliment a visit to the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey and there is a nice coffee shops in the adjacent building.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris A. 7 months ago on Google • 205 reviews
    A very neat piece of history. The jewels are NOT stored here:) but many other things were and to learn about that and the history of the tower. If you happen to have a Democratic Access Tour booked for Parliament you get this for free. It is also an English Heritage site so worth seeing if you have a membership.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Yasumi K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A tower that stores valuables and jewels that survive the London fire. Built as part of the Westminster Palace in the 14th century. The unique masonry exterior wall retains its features. It is a safe, so you can see the robust doors and windows. Inside there are replicas of valuables and other items, so you can see what was kept. There is also a copy of Charles I's execution warrant. You can enter with a London Pass. Since it is a small tower, it does not take much time. However, I think the priority is low from the content. #letsguide #London pass (Original) ロンドンの大火を免れて現存する、貴重品や宝石を保管した塔です。14世紀にウエストミンスター宮殿の一部として建設されました。独特な石積み外壁にその特徴が残っています。金庫なので堅牢な扉や窓を観ることができます。 内部には貴重品のレプリカなどが飾られ、どのような物が保管されていたのか知ることができます。チャールズ1世の死刑執行令状のコピーもあります。 ロンドンパスで入ることができます。小さな塔なのでそれほど時間はかかりません。しかし内容から優先度は低いと思います。 #letsguide #ロンドンパス
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Suganthini M. 2 years ago on Google
    A historic stone tower near Westminster Abby. The footprint is in a ‘L’ shape. Two flows accessible via a narrow spiral stairway. Please ask the site manager James or Assistant Oliver for explanation on the motifs on the ceiling on first floor. James and Oliver are very friendly and knowledgeable. Allow time to appreciate the artifacts on each floor. There are plenty of seating area on the grounds.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zizi S. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a complete surprise for me, spotted whilst touring around Westminster Abbey and what a lovely hidden gem historical building. Well preserved, helpful staff, nice cup of coffee, and nice to sit in the grounds. In a very nice location where you can see the House of Parliament, West Minister Abbey but there is a 44 step spiral staircase, so if you're unsteady on your feet or don't like confined spaces, this is not the place for you to visit, there is a small fee of £6.50 and free for English Heritage members.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Robin R. 1 year ago on Google • 147 reviews
    It's funny to think how many times I must have passed this building without ever knowing anything about it. Such a history inside this modest structure too. Over three floors, it's only a short visit but filled with such tales. I loved how it was once used for storing and testing official weights and measures, and you can see still some of the tools they used. And to admire the 'new' iron door from 1621 was quite something too! Easy access, a few steps to climb but a nice little surprise in such a busy area for tourists
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 cristi c. 10 months ago on Google
    Built in circa 1365 as the 'Jewel House' to safeguard Edward III's treasures, the tower is well tucked away between the Westminster Palace (House of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey. It's the only surviving part of the palace complex that was not destroyed by the 1834 fire and only because that day, the wind was blowing in a favourable direction for the tower. The walls are very thick, and the windows are small and fortified by iron bars, which back then made a possible roberry impossible. You can have a nice view over the House of Parliament, just across the street. It's an interesting and interactive place to visit. During hot days, it can provide a good shade for anyone in need. They also have a gift shop and a cafe from where you can purchase souvenirs or grab something to eat and drink.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Doug C. 2 years ago on Google
    Did not know it existed! My friend and I had lunch in the forecourt. Astonished to learn state papers were kept here!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cath P. 2 years ago on Google
    A real hidden gem (no pun intended) A small part of the original palace of Westminster, tucked behind the abbey that I had never noticed in my previous visits to London. Well worth a visit, although it wont take long due to its size. But its a part of Britains history that English Heritage are doing a fine job of looking after. The staff were friendly and well informed and the guide book is very useful. As per usual with such ancient buildings, its not for anyone with mobility issues, but if you can manage a few flights of old spiral staircase then its an interesting addition to any other places you visit in London, it will only take 30 mins of your time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam D. 5 years ago on Google
    I loved this place. It is very small, but that is what reveals how things were when the tower was built. The pencil sketch in the guide book is so revealing about how dominant the church was and why the monasteries were dissolved. A very interesting historical visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 GLENYS lloyd w. 4 years ago on Google
    Very interesting on 2 levels. Where kings from medieval times kept their loot. Interesting measuring and weighing devices. Free to English heritage members. Nice park opposite with walk along to Lambeth bridge. Westminster Abbey round the corner. On bus routes.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aline M. 4 years ago on Google
    The Jewel Tower is a medieval building that survived the fires at the old Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament are within the “new” Palace today). It’s not massive, there are only 3 rooms to visit, but the exhibition is very interesting. The place is not packed with tourists and it’s a very nice way of learning more about the rich history of Westminster. If you are into history, I would definitely recommend a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nick O. 11 months ago on Google
    A remnant of the medieval Palace of Westminster. Some interesting artefacts. It has nothing to do with the Crown Jewels!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ian Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Worth visiting if you are an English Heritage member. The building is one of just two to survive the 19th c fire of Parliament. There is not much to see, but this mid 14th century building has plenty of history. It housed the records of the House of Lords for over 200 years, which was handy as it meant they survived the fire that destroyed most of Parliament.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heather E. 3 months ago on Google • 79 reviews New
    We were delighted to discover this tiny gem. There are just two very small floors of two rooms each, but they were full of interesting information about the original Palace of Westminster and the history of the building. Whilst perhaps too small to justify a trip into town just for this, I'd definitely recommend a detour if you're in or near the area. There's also a small cafe on the ground floor. As others have noted, this is a small building with most of the space accessed via a narrow, steep stone spiral staircase.

  • 5/5 Padmavathi K. 8 months ago on Google • 73 reviews
    Quiet historic gem hidden away amid bustling tourist areas- see the original 1 kg and 1 pound weights and measures, also some innovative displays and a 400 year old iron door!

  • 5/5 Cat M. 2 years ago on Google
    Didn't actually visit the tower this time, but they have a lovely and peaceful green, and a small refreshments shop. Perfect for a short break

  • 4/5 Siobhan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely little place which doesn't seem to be very well known as there were no other tourists. Was lovely to grab a coffee and sit outside admiring the views without hordes of people around. The coffee wasn't great but the gentleman who served us was so friendly and helpful. Didn't buy a ticket for the tour as we didn't have time but would like to check it out next time. It's definitely small and the tour would probably take 30 minutes but the building is so beautiful, staff lovely and perfect little pit stop.

  • 5/5 barbara s. 2 years ago on Google
    Smaller then expected worth while a visit good for all ages friendly staff

  • 5/5 Jimbo 4 years ago on Google
    Remainers Good Guys

  • 2/5 GENERALI S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) You enter easy, although the entrance is expensive. But then you have to wait at least an hour to see the jewels. We were in August and the line was about two hours. We left without seeing them. I won't be back (Original) Entras fácil, aunque la entrada es cara. Pero después tienes que esperar mínimo una hora para ver las joyas. Estuvimos en agosto y la cola era de cerca de dos horas. Nos fuimos sin verlas. No vuelvo.

  • 5/5 deborah d. 4 years ago on Google
    just look at the pic you dont have to say no more

  • 5/5 Irene S. 4 years ago on Google
    Fascinating... "little jewel". Perfect to have a quiet break from the super crowded surroundings.

  • 5/5 Matthew W. 2 years ago on Google
    The tower is all that remains of the medieval Palace of Westminster. A tiny glimpse of the past with original, gothic stonework and doors. Peaceful and unspoilt.

  • 5/5 Megan H. 2 years ago on Google
    Small tower in London that survived the fire, so is particularly old. Interesting info in the tower. We spent about 30 mins and read everything.

  • 4/5 Dee “Claret & Blue Knight” K. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is opposite the House of Lords It can be easily missed When you enter jewel Tower you pass through a sitting area where you can eat watch the world go inside I was greeted by two volunteers whom gave me a short quick explanation about the tower I made my was up a few flights of stairs..this place was used to store the treasure of the king It took me 30 minutes to look around & take a few photos it's worth a look but wouldn't make it high on my list to see it The staff were helpful Which makes this place worth a look

  • 5/5 Stephen T. 1 year ago on Google
    A real little Jewel in the centre of Westminster, the Jewel Tower is very much hidden, but when found is a very interesting. It's staff are very welcoming and there are boards around giving plenty of insight into the history of the property. It is certainly worth a visit.

  • 4/5 Jemi V. 1 year ago on Google
    Didn't visit the interior, but there were some benches to sit around. Lots of signs for those interested about learning the history of The Jewel Tower!

  • 5/5 Mohammed A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful historical place , The staff very friendly.

  • 5/5 Komeil K. 1 year ago on Google
    While inside the Jewel Tower of Westminster Palace is amazingly beautiful and a great museum, the outside architecture is a gift to photographers. Come sunset golden hour through to blue hour circuit the building (and block) for wonderful shots of the sun and colours doing wonders on the historic building facade

  • 4/5 Andy P. 6 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    Fascinating little place run by English Heritage. Little tea room but no lavatories. Stairs are circular, tight, and a tad unnerving with the occasional gap. Start at the second floor and work downwards. Photo is taken from inside the Jewel Tower of the Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster, which now does some of the work previously done at the Jewel Tower.

  • 3/5 寒风热血 6 months ago on Google
    not worth the ticket price. Only good for Heritage member on relax during walling. Upto 15 minutes visiting

  • 3/5 Luis J R. 3 years ago on Google
    It is not open on a daily basis. Cared by EH

  • 1/5 夏日午后 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The history of the Jewelry Tower can be traced back to about 650 years, and it is a charming attraction in the heart of Westminster. It was built around 1365 to store Edward III's treasure and is called "King's Closet". This tower is one of only two buildings in the medieval Palace of Westminster, which can survive the fire of 1834. The tower has a 14th century ribbed vault. In our three-story exhibition, learn about the changing role of the Gem Tower in the past few centuries. Marvel at the model of the "lost" medieval palace in Westminster, as well as replicas of valuables and dress up areas, including the office of the 18th century clerk. (Original) 珠宝塔的历史可以追溯到大约650年,是威斯敏斯特中心地带的迷人景点。它建于1365年左右,用来存放爱德华三世的宝藏,被称为“国王的私密衣橱”。 这座塔是中世纪威斯敏斯特宫中仅有的两座建筑物之一,可以幸免于1834年的大火,该塔设有14世纪带肋拱顶。 在我们三层楼的展览中,了解宝石塔在过去几个世纪中不断变化的作用。惊叹于威斯敏斯特“遗失”的中世纪宫殿的模型,以及贵重物品和装扮区域的复制品,包括18世纪文员的办公室。

  • 5/5 Cayleigh D. 3 years ago on Google
    All the jewels were beautiful!

  • 4/5 Joyce Y. 3 years ago on Google
    A surviving historical building

  • 5/5 Rekin S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I recommend a great place to take photos for the album. (Original) Super miejsce na robienie zdjęć do albumu polecam.

  • 5/5 paul s. 3 years ago on Google
    The History

  • 5/5 John E. 3 years ago on Google
    Really friendly English heritage man, and a real "hidden in plain sight" gem!, amazing history.

  • 2/5 Ero L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A small tower, quite renovated and without much inside. Honestly not well worth your visit let alone if you are only in London for a few days. Besides, I wouldn't pay the entrance fee, for the little it offers, as a member of English Heritage I came in to pay, otherwise ... It would have hurt me. Wonderful staff! IG: @erolugilde (Original) Una petita torre, bastant reformada i sense gaire cosa a dins. Sincerament no val gaire la pena la seva visita i menys si només estas a Londres durant uns dies. A de més, jo no pagaria l'entrada, pel poc que ofereix, com a membre del English Heritage he entrat aense pagar, si no... M'hauria fet mal. El personal meravellós! IG: @erolugilde

  • 5/5 John R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to hook up

  • 4/5 Camille H. 3 years ago on Google
    Small museum, interesting historical site, but don’t expect to see any jewels.

  • 4/5 Terri S. 3 years ago on Google
    Interesting historical place. Well managed by English heritage. IF you don't like spiral stair this is not the place for you

  • 5/5 Lisa B. 3 years ago on Google
    Hidden little gem. Takes just a couple of hours to go round but so very rich in history. Thoroughly recommend a visit

  • 5/5 Jamie A. 3 years ago on Google
    Another wonderful building preserved by English Heritage. Only a quick stop required as a visit only needs to take half an hour if not busy.

  • 5/5 peter s. 3 years ago on Google
    London history at its best. Clime the stairs. And feel the people from times past. ( they are still there)?

  • 5/5 Christina B. 3 years ago on Google
    This Tower is the part of Westminster Palace. Looks very impressive. Unfortunately was repair.

  • 4/5 Terri S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely historical building. Well preserved. Helpful staff, nice cup of coffee, and nice to sit in the grounds. But there is a 44 step spiral staircase, so if you're unsteady on your feet or don't like confined spaces, this is not the place for you to visit

  • 5/5 Kathleen O. 3 years ago on Google
    Take an hour out of your busy London schedule to see the Jewel Tower

  • 2/5 Robert V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Program 5 plates, 2 goblets and a cardboard scale that does not work -: expensive and not much to see (£ 5.1 + £ 1.8 donation?) +: heating (Original) Au programme 5 assiettes, 2 goblets et une balance en carton qui ne fonctionne pas - : cher et pas grand chose à voir (5.1£ + 1.8£ de donation ?) + : le chauffage

  • 4/5 Anthony C. 4 years ago on Google
    Unfortunately the crown jewels are no longer here and moved to the tower of London but it's still a nice little place to learn about the history of the Royal family and the past buildings around here.

  • 5/5 Rose A. 4 years ago on Google
    Little hidden gem. Small but informative.

  • 5/5 Ann H. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It's a pity to rush the trip or we will definitely go in (Original) 可惜趕行程 不然一定會進去

  • 5/5 Philip Le M. 4 years ago on Google
    Quite spot for a coffee and a cake

  • 2/5 Alejandro Perez V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The truth is that it is a building without much magic, if someone can tell me why come to visit it ...? Since I have not found anything of charm and of course in my humble opinion you can save coming to visit it ... London is fine, although it is not to visit it very often ... Greetings! (Original) La verdad es que es un edificio sin mucha magia, si alguien me puede indicar por que venir a visitarlo...? Ya que no he encontrado nada de encanto y por supuesto a mi humilde parecer te puedes ahorrar venir a visitarlo... Londres esta bien, aunque tampoco es para visitarlo muy amenudo... ¡Saludos!

  • 5/5 Christine M. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing place!

  • 4/5 Shiraz S. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting day out!

  • 5/5 Charm L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit.

  • 5/5 Jan 4 years ago on Google
    Loved it

  • 5/5 Vojtěch B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful jewel tower in the center of London.

  • 3/5 woelly w. 4 years ago on Google
    👍🏻

  • 4/5 Duncan F. 4 years ago on Google
    Interesting history

  • 4/5 Jason M. 4 years ago on Google
    The Jewel tower has so much history. It is a quick tour with an associated cost but I learned about the decapitation of a king. Very this stairs lead you to the top of the tower.

  • 4/5 Pearl B. 4 years ago on Google
    Historical London at its best

  • 5/5 David C. 4 years ago on Google
    Still one of the best in town


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