Crown Jewels

Crown jewels are those that belong to the sovereign and pass to the next sovereign to symbolize the right to rule. They usually include one or more crownss, scepters, orbs, swords, and/or ringss. The crown jewels of England are kept in the Tower of London (External link to Crown Jewels webpage); those of Scotland (the "Honours of Scotland") are kept in Edinburgh Castle. They are popular tourist attractions. (See Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom)

On May 9, 1671 Thomas Blood, disguised as a clergyman, attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower. He was immediately caught because he was too drunk to run with the loot. He later was condemned to death for his actions but was mysteriously pardoned, exiled and given a pension by King Charles II.

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The "Imperial Regalia," the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire, are in the Imperial Treasury in Vienna, Austria.

The crown jewels of Denmark are on display at Rosenborg Castle in Copenhagen.

What is left of the crown jewels of France are on display in the Louvre in Paris.

The crown jewels of Hungary are on display in the Parliament Building in Budapest.

The crown jewels of Ethiopia are in Axum.