Jewel Tower, London

Nestled between the prominent landmarks of Parliament on one side and Westminster Abbey on the other, this site is the sole significant segment of the Palace of Westminster complex that has managed to remain unaltered since medieval times. Constructed during the 1360s to house the treasures of Edward III, it once served as an integral part of the palace's defensive fortifications, explaining its fortress-like appearance. A substantial portion of the original interior has been preserved, including the ribbed stone ceiling on the ground floor, adorned with intricately carved stone images of both human figures and animals.

The Jewel Tower later functioned as a records office for the House of Lords but lost its official role when the rest of the historic palace was ravaged by fire in 1834, leading to the relocation of ancient documents to the safer confines of the Tower of London. Today, it hosts an exhibition delving into the building's history, featuring a model illustrating the lost medieval palace.

For those seeking a glimpse into British political history, especially when Parliament tours are fully booked, this site provides an excellent alternative. Additionally, visitors can explore remnants of the moat and a medieval quay in close proximity.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and Kurt Bauschardt.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in London. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Jewel Tower
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

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