Tower of London

The guest speaker at the ladies’ invitation lunch on April11th was Garry Wykes, Freeman and Liveryman of the City of London, who had been a keeper in the Crown Jewel room at the Tower of London - a misnomer since there are 19 towers. We were treated to a very interesting presentation covering a brief history of the tower, the jewels in the jewel room, and anecdotes.

 

We were informed that the coronation regalia dates from the restoration of the monarchy after Cromwell melted down and sold off the original. In 1661 Charles II wanted a medieval coronation, and so commissioned the coronation regalia which is still used. The only item to have survived from an earlier period is the coronation spoon, dating from the 11th century, which was given back by the purchaser who acquired it at the sell off by Cromwell.

 

Garry has a vast knowledge of the other pieces in the collection, some of which incorporate gems from earlier periods such as The Black Prince’s ruby, a spinel, and the stones cut from the Star of Africa. A very informed and well delivered presentation, which included some amusing anecdotes, especially the one about the American tourist who on being told that Sir Isaac Newton was once Master of the Mint said “I know about him, the guy who invented gravity”!