The Martin Tower saw the callous and audacious attempt by Colonel Thomas Blood (1618 - 1680) and his three accomplices to steal the Crown Jewels. The Deputy Keeper of the Jewels, was a 77 year old man named Talbot Edwards who lived with his family in the tower. Thomas Blood had gained the confidence of the old man by pretending to be a Parson. On May 9th 1671 Blood and his accomplices were shown by Talbot Edwards to the chamber where the Crown Jewels were kept. A cloak was thrown over his head, he struggled was hit over the head and finally stabbed to death. The gang stole St. Edward’s Crown and the Sceptre but were disturbed and fled. They were all captured. Blood refused to answer any questions and insisted he would talk to no one but the king. Two days later he was granted an audience with King Charles II. Colonel Thomas Blood was inexplicably released and given a Royal pardon and pension! The reason for this remains a total mystery however speculation would have that King Charles II ( who was extremely short of money ) was himself behind the plot to steal the Crown Jewels!
The Martin Tower
The very walls of the Martin Tower contain some of the mysteries and bloody secrets and the of the history of the Tower of London. Which King was responsible for building the Martin Tower and what was his reason? When was it built? Interesting facts and info about the history of the Tower of London!
The Tower of London