Titre de page

The symbols of the monarchy are exposed in the Jewel house at the tower of London. The majority of them were created for the coronation of Charles II in 1661.

The cross sceptre is the symbol of temporal power. Since 1910, it is the biggest cut diamond of the world the First Star of Africa, and the other famous stone is the Koh-i-noo which decorates the crown of the queen mother Elisabeth (1937).

The ceremony of coronation, dates from the reign of Edward the confessor (1042-1066), it consists of the giving of an oath and oction, the presentation of the emblems of the monarchy ,coronation of the crown , armour, the ring of the monarch who holds the cross sceptre and the globe of sovereignty.

The tower of London was first constructed in the 11th century when William the Conquerer invaded the country in 1066.

The first part of the central tower was built during the reign of Henry III (1216- 1272) and the last parts were built in 1540 at a period when Henry VIII reigned. Finally The tower of London was redecorated in 1533. It was a formidable prison of state and a place of execution. Anna Boleyn and Catherine Howard (the second and fifth wives of Henry VIII) were executed here. Many famous prisoners were imprisoned there.

the emblems of the monarchy

one of the soldiers guarding the tower

a general view of the tower