The Audacious Attempt to Steal the Crown Jewels
Among the most iconic treasures in British history, the Crown Jewels have symbolized the power and continuity of the monarchy for centuries. Kept under heavy guard in the Tower of London, these priceless objects are used in coronation ceremonies and represent the sovereignty of the British Crown. But in 1671, an Irish adventurer named Colonel Thomas Blood shocked the kingdom by almost pulling off the impossible: stealing the Crown Jewels in broad daylight.
This incredible episode has become one of the most infamous crimes in British history—not just for the boldness of the act, but also for the astonishing aftermath, in which the criminal was not only spared punishment but rewarded by the king himself.
Who Was Thomas Blood?
Thomas Blood was born in County Meath, Ireland, in 1618. A Protestant and a supporter of Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War, he had once held a military position and fought against the Royalists. When Charles II was restored to the throne in 1660, Blood found himself on the wrong side of history. Over the next decade, he engaged in a number of plots and schemes against the monarchy.
In 1663, he attempted to kidnap and assassinate James Butler, the Duke of Ormonde, in London. Though the plan failed, Blood managed to escape. His notoriety only grew, and he became a wanted man. Despite this, he continued to move freely throughout London under various disguises—an indication of both his daring and his skill as a conman.
The Plan to Steal the Crown Jewels
By 1670, Blood had devised what would become his most daring scheme yet: the theft of the Crown Jewels of England, which were kept on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London. At that time, security was minimal compared to modern standards. The regalia—including the Imperial State Crown, Sceptre, and Orb—were shown to visitors by the keeper of the jewels, an elderly man named Talbot Edwards, who lived with his family in a small apartment inside the Tower.
Blood began to befriend Edwards by visiting the Tower disguised as a parson. He built trust over several months and even arranged for his “nephew” to propose to Edwards’ daughter—part of a larger deception to gain access to the jewels without suspicion.
The Heist: May 9, 1671
On the morning of May 9, 1671, Blood returned to the Tower with three accomplices. They entered the Jewel House under the pretense of viewing the regalia once more. Once inside, the gang attacked Talbot Edwards, beating and gagging him. With the keeper incapacitated, they began to loot the royal treasures.
The Crown was flattened with a mallet to fit under a cloak. The Orb was stuffed into a sack, and the Sceptre was too long to conceal, so they broke it in half. Everything was going according to plan until fate intervened. Edwards managed to loosen his restraints and began shouting for help. His son, returning home unexpectedly, joined in raising the alarm.
The gang fled toward the exit but were intercepted by guards before they could escape the Tower grounds. The royal regalia was recovered, though damaged and missing a few stones, which were later retrieved.
A Shocking Twist: The King’s Mercy
In an era where crimes against the Crown were punished with death, everyone expected Blood to be executed. But to the shock of all, King Charles II not only pardoned Blood but also granted him a royal pension of £500 a year—a staggering sum at the time.
The reasons for this mercy remain unclear and are still debated by historians. Some suggest Blood had powerful allies at court or possessed compromising information. Others speculate that Charles II, known for his flair and love of drama, simply admired Blood’s audacity. Another theory holds that the king hoped to make a political statement by showing royal clemency—even to enemies.
The Legacy of the Crime
After his pardon, Thomas Blood lived comfortably in London and even served in the royal court for a time. He died in 1680, aged 62. So notorious was he that authorities exhumed his body after burial to confirm he was truly dead—fearing he may have faked his death to escape yet again.
The attempted theft had a profound effect on the security of the Crown Jewels. Following the incident, they were moved to a more secure location within the Tower and eventually displayed behind protective glass, where they remain today under 24-hour surveillance.
A Crime for the Ages
The 1671 attempt to steal the Crown Jewels remains one of the most audacious and legendary crimes in British history. Thomas Blood’s name lives on as a symbol of cunning, deception, and inexplicable royal favor.
Today, tourists flock to the Tower of London to view the very jewels Blood tried to steal—still intact, still resplendent, and now much better protected. His story serves as a reminder that sometimes, truth really is stranger than fiction.
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