The Jewel Tower
Abingdon Street, opposite south end of Houses of Parliament, Westminster
London SW1 3JY

The Jewel Tower, part of the medieval Palace of Westminster, was built in 1365 - 66 to house the personal treasure of Edward III.  Here, in the moated tower, the valuables forming part of the King's 'wardrobe' were held. 

From 1621 to 1864 the tower was used as a government office and to store records of the House of Lords.  When a great fire engulfed the Palace of Westminster in 1834 only the Jewel Tower and Westminster Hall survived. 

The Houses of Parliament were later rebuilt by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin. 

Today the Jewel Tower has been restored and alongside are the remains of the moat and a medieval quay. 

The Jewel Tower houses a small museum containing relics relating to the Palace of Westminster and items of pottery dug from the moat.  There is also a collection of the losing designs for the 19th century rebuilding the Houses of Parliament. 

From 1869 to 1938 the Jewel Tower served as a weights and measures office and another display relates to that era.  There is also an exhibition on 'Parliament Past and Present', which includes a video and a touch screen computer for a virtual tour of the Houses of Parliament.   

Admission charge

Opening Times

Open:.Apr-Sep: daily 10:00-18:00, Oct-Mar: daily 10:00-16:00. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Tel: 020 7222 2219