On This Day May 9, 1671 a man known as Colonel Thomas Blood orchestrated an unprecedented heist that shook the very foundations of the monarchy. On this day, Blood and his accomplices brazenly attempted to steal the priceless Crown Jewels from the Tower of London, a feat that defied all logic and security measures of the time.
The meticulously planned heist unfolded with calculated precision, as Blood and his cohorts, disguised as clergymen, gained entry to the Jewel House under the pretense of visiting the renowned Talbot Edwards, the elderly Jewel House keeper. Once inside, they swiftly overpowered and bound Edwards, his wife, and son, leaving them helpless witnesses to the unfolding crime.
With remarkable audacity, Blood and his men set about their nefarious task, using a crude hammer to flatten the ancient Crown Jewels, including the renowned Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre, into portable bundles. Their daring act, however, was interrupted by the timely arrival of a contingent of guards, alerted by the commotion within the Jewel House.
Blood’s motives for this brazen attempt remain shrouded in mystery, with some speculating that he acted on behalf of a foreign power or sought to ransom the jewels for personal gain. Regardless of his intentions, the episode left an indelible mark on the collective psyche of the nation, prompting a thorough reevaluation of security measures and triggering a wave of fascination and intrigue that endures to this day.
