349 years ago today 9 May 1671, an Irishman, self styled Colonel Thomas Blood attempted to steal the British crown jewels from the Tower of London.
Blood was born in Ireland to an English landowner but grew up to become a bit of an opportunist and a scoundrel. During the War of
Blood was born in Ireland to an English landowner but grew up to become a bit of an opportunist and a scoundrel. During the War of
the Three Kingdoms, (between England, Ireland and Scotland), Blood switched allegiances from King Charles to Oliver Cromwell whenever it suited him.
Blood posed as a member of the nobility in order to gain access to the Edwards family who were the custodians of the Crown Jewels
Blood posed as a member of the nobility in order to gain access to the Edwards family who were the custodians of the Crown Jewels
at the Tower of London. Blood visited them on several occasions and began making the arrangements for a marriage between a (fictitious) nephew and the Edwards’ daughter.
On one visit, he persuaded Edwards to let him see the jewels. Once inside the tower, Blood and his men beat
On one visit, he persuaded Edwards to let him see the jewels. Once inside the tower, Blood and his men beat
and blindfolded Edwards and stole the jewels. However, they were intercepted by a member of the family who raised the alarm and Blood was arrested.
After he was captured Blood allegedly cried: “It was a gallant attempt, however unsuccessful! It was for a crown!"
Blood refused to
After he was captured Blood allegedly cried: “It was a gallant attempt, however unsuccessful! It was for a crown!"
Blood refused to
answer to anyone but the king (nicknamed the merry monarch), and so received a personal hearing from King Charles. The king asked him: “What if I should give you your life?" to which Blood replied, “I would endeavour to deserve it, Sire!”
Apparently impressed & amused by Blood’s
Apparently impressed & amused by Blood’s
audacity, King Charles not only spared his life, but also granted him land in Ireland worth £500 a year.
Security was increased; the wooden bars around the Crown Jewels were replaced by iron bars, and visitors were no longer allowed to touch the Crown Jewels.
Security was increased; the wooden bars around the Crown Jewels were replaced by iron bars, and visitors were no longer allowed to touch the Crown Jewels.
