Jewel Tower in Mitcham

Quiet, an oasis of calm near the bustle if houses of Parliament. ..enough information, but not too much... a sense of history.

Its funny to think how many times I must have passed this building without ever knowing anything about it. Such a history inside this modest structure too. Over three floors, its only a short visit but filled with such tales.I loved how it was once used for storing and testing official weights and measures, and you can see still some of the tools they used.And to admire the new iron door from 1621 was quite something too!Easy access, a few steps to climb but a nice little surprise in such a busy area for tourists

The jewel tower is just opposite the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and a short walk from the tube station. Well worth a visit if you are in the area. There is a cafe and a gift shop at the entrance. Two floors to visit accessible by a spiral staircase only.

Didnt visit the interior, but there were some benches to sit around. Lots of signs for those interested about learning the history of The Jewel Tower!

A real little Jewel in the centre of Westminster, the Jewel Tower is very much hidden, but when found is a very interesting. Its staff are very welcoming and there are boards around giving plenty of insight into the history of the property. It is certainly worth a visit.

Stumbled across this little diamond. Been to London many times and had no idea of its existence. Well worth a visit if you are around Westminster

small site, the ticket didnt really added up to what they were showing

I dont recommend visiting unless youre an English Heritage member and are passing by the area. The entry fee is very high for such a small site.

This small building dates back over 650 years when it was built to store king Edward III treasures. Full of history as its use has changed over the years. Worth the small entry fee.

Corner of medieval palace of Westminster.

Whilst not wildly exciting, this was very interesting, particularly if you like your history.

A real hidden gem (no pun intended)A small part of the original palace of Westminster, tucked behind the abbey that I had never noticed in my previous visits to London. Well worth a visit, although it wont take long due to its size. But its a part of Britains history that English Heritage are doing a fine job of looking after. The staff were friendly and well informed and the guide book is very useful.As per usual with such ancient buildings, its not for anyone with mobility issues, but if you can manage a few flights of old spiral staircase then its an interesting addition to any other places you visit in London, it will only take 30 mins of your time.

This can easily be seen in about 20 minutes as it’s two main rooms plus two smaller rooms with a few signs in each.It did have some interesting history, and showed how the area has changed since originally built in the 14th century, info on documents held here, and that the imperial weights system began here. However, it’s not a ton of material so may want to gauge expectations.It’s perhaps a bit expensive to enter, though free with an English Heritage membership.Practical matters: it is two flights of winding stairs up and down, and has a tiny cafe in the ticket entrance area.

A hidden gem in London. We were the only ones in the tower on a busy Saturday. If you want to miss the crowds, this is a must.

This place is opposite the House of LordsIt can be easily missedWhen you enter jewel Tower you pass through a sitting area where you can eat watch the world go inside I was greeted by two volunteers whom gave me a short quick explanation about the tower I made my was up a few flights of stairs..this place was used to store the treasure of the kingIt took me 30 minutes to look around & take a few photos its worth a look but wouldnt make it high on my list to see itThe staff were helpfulWhich makes this place worth a look

If you wanna feel like in "Ye olde days" this is the place to go. Small place but i spent more than 2 hours. Staff amazingly friendly 👌. I even learned there was a Chilean Queen, i mean how about that. So go ask everything, youll be impressed by the history of these magical, imperial, beautiful, classical venues.

This is one of the main remaining buildings of the original Palace of Westminster. The rest were destroyed by fire and the current Houses of Parliament now sit on those. The tower itself has thick walls as it was once the repository for Bills which were written on vellum and stored in a safe and cool place. It was also where imperial units were defined and standard weights and measures held.The site is maintained by English Heritage.

Friendly helpful staff.Small cafe for drinks ,lovely area to sit outside.Very informative charts and diagrams.Would recommend not to miss for short visit.

This was a complete surprise for me, spotted whilst touring around Westminster Abbey and what a lovely hidden gem historical building. Well preserved, helpful staff, nice cup of coffee, and nice to sit in the grounds. In a very nice location where you can see the House of Parliament, West Minister Abbey but there is a 44 step spiral staircase, so if youre unsteady on your feet or dont like confined spaces, this is not the place for you to visit, there is a small fee of £6.50 and free for English Heritage members.

Interesting piece of history but not that much to see

Did not know it existed! My friend and I had lunch in the forecourt. Astonished to learn state papers were kept here!!

Smaller then expected worth while a visit good for all ages friendly staff

The tower is all that remains of the medieval Palace of Westminster. A tiny glimpse of the past with original, gothic stonework and doors. Peaceful and unspoilt.

Didnt actually visit the tower this time, but they have a lovely and peaceful green, and a small refreshments shop. Perfect for a short break

Lovely little place which doesnt seem to be very well known as there were no other tourists. Was lovely to grab a coffee and sit outside admiring the views without hordes of people around. The coffee wasnt great but the gentleman who served us was so friendly and helpful. Didnt buy a ticket for the tour as we didnt have time but would like to check it out next time. Its definitely small and the tour would probably take 30 minutes but the building is so beautiful, staff lovely and perfect little pit stop.

Tucked into a corner of College Green opposite the House of Lords, this quaint (one could say bijou, lollittle tower is easily overlooked. But it is fascinating to visit.Initialy serving as the Kings treasury, it became the royal "junk room" before being used for storage of Acts of Parliament and later hosting the nations Weights and Measures headquarters.So much history in such a small space.

A historic stone tower near Westminster Abby. The footprint is in a ‘L’ shape. Two flows accessible via a narrow spiral stairway.Please ask the site manager James or Assistant Oliver for explanation on the motifs on the ceiling on first floor. James and Oliver are very friendly and knowledgeable.Allow time to appreciate the artifacts on each floor.There are plenty of seating area on the grounds.

A lovely small tower situated in Westminster, one of few original remnants of the palace. It is a small tower, on two levels accessed via spiral stairs (no lifts). Detailing the history of the tower and the former Westminster palace. It is quite a hidden jewel, for those interested in history.

A little nugget tucked away closeby Westminster abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Has a potted history inside, and some modern day representations of historical scrolls.Including the death warrant of Charles 11.

Wont take you long to see all the tower has to offer, but an interesting historical place nonetheless. You can get two for one entry if you pick up a days out by train leaflet and bring it with you. James behind the till was super knowledgeable and friendly and certainly a reason why we stayed longer. They also have a cafe serving hot drinks, so not a bad place to pop in and grab something away from the tourist madness outside!

Take an hour out of your busy London schedule to see the Jewel Tower

This Tower is the part of Westminster Palace. Looks very impressive.Unfortunately was repair.

Another wonderful building preserved by English Heritage. Only a quick stop required as a visit only needs to take half an hour if not busy.

Lovely historical building. Well preserved. Helpful staff, nice cup of coffee, and nice to sit in the grounds. But there is a 44 step spiral staircase, so if youre unsteady on your feet or dont like confined spaces, this is not the place for you to visit

Worth visiting if you are an English Heritage member. The building is one of just two to survive the 19th c fire of Parliament. There is not much to see, but this mid 14th century building has plenty of history. It housed the records of the House of Lords for over 200 years, which was handy as it meant they survived the fire that destroyed most of Parliament.

The Jewel tower has so much history. It is a quick tour with an associated cost but I learned about the decapitation of a king. Very this stairs lead you to the top of the tower.

Very interesting on 2 levels. Where kings from medieval times kept their loot. Interesting measuring and weighing devices. Free to English heritage members.Nice park opposite with walk along to Lambeth bridge.Westminster Abbey round the corner. On bus routes.

These are the views from the top of that tower. You can oversee the princes home or the bridge!

What a Jewel in the heart of busy London. We popped in there today as we needed a break from sight seeing and needed some refreshment. Very friendly staff and delightful surroundings. The gentleman told us about the ceiling grotesques which was interesting to hear and made our stop off very enjoyable. A peaceful place to have a break. Good snacks. Thank you to the lady who served us.

The Jewel Tower is a medieval building that survived the fires at the old Palace of Westminster (the Houses of Parliament are within the “new” Palace today).It’s not massive, there are only 3 rooms to visit, but the exhibition is very interesting. The place is not packed with tourists and it’s a very nice way of learning more about the rich history of Westminster.If you are into history, I would definitely recommend a visit!

Very small but still interesting English Heritage site. Ok to take the kids for 10 minutes.

One of the lesser known sites in London is the Jewel tower, just across from the Palace of Westminster and one of the few buildings that survived the fire of 1834. There is also a nice garden surrounding it and the remains of the moat that protected it. It was originally built 1365 to house Edward III’s treasures and was known as the "King’s Privy Wardrobe" until 1512 when the Royal family moved to Whitehall after a fire. After this it became the host for all documents and records for the House of Lords which then were moved to a new archive after the terrible fire of Westminster in 1834 and the tower was then occupied by official weights and measures until just after WW2 when it became part of English heritage. Apart from the garden and the moat there are two floors that are open to the public which displays some of the original ornaments, official weights and measures and the record storage. It is a nice rainy day museum that will compliment a visit to the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey and there is a nice coffee shops in the adjacent building.

You wouldnt know that this was here its so well hidden. Definitely worth a visit and then an ice cold drink from the cafe sitting at the tables outside.

Its a very little place, you can see everything in a few minutes. If you have a LondonPass and a few minutes you can visit this place for free. It is near to the Westminster Abbey and just a few steps and you can admire some treasure.

First of all - do not confuse this building, the Jewel Tower, with the Crown Jewels that are located in the Tower of London!Why only three stars? The single adult ticket price is £5.70 (April, 2019and, in my opinion, represents poor value for money. After being in the building for about 15 minutes you will have seen it all. On the ground floor is the souvenir shop and a cafe; a spiral staircase leads up to the first floor where there are two rooms and another spiral staircase leads to the second floor where there are a further two rooms. There did not appear to be a lift for disabled visitors.Two of the stars were awarded for the building itself which is in an excellent location being immediately south of Westminster Abbey and across the road from the Houses of Parliament.Would I visit again? No.

I loved this place. It is very small, but that is what reveals how things were when the tower was built. The pencil sketch in the guide book is so revealing about how dominant the church was and why the monasteries were dissolved. A very interesting historical visit.

Very under appreciated piece of history!! Nice example of medieval architecture, inside youll fine history of the area and ancient castle that used to stand here. Nice example of carvings an ancient Saxon Sword and a number of replica manuscripts showing examples of the importance of the tower prior to construction of the House of Parliament.

Tucked away, sitting quietly amidst the magnificent structures in Westminster, this tower gives an insight on the history of this tower. It was surrounded by a moat back in the day but its an empty canal now. The entrance is inconspicuous and I visited on a hot summer weekday afternoon. I didnt see anyone in here and I covered the two floors alone taking in the history. It displays information on weights and measures, documents maintained by clerks here, few pottery items excavated around this area (including the moat), plates and cups and also a model of Westminster as it was in 1400 AD compared to how it is today. Its a quick stop if you are visiting this area and can be covered in 30 minutes tops.

If you dont have enough time try to take some pictures of external area. The collection exhibited in this museum is very poor. Can be a nice experience for medieval history lovers.

Two dangerous winding flights of stairs to climb. Not for kids or oldies! A couple of what feels like empty rooms with no real artefacts of note. Overpriced merchandise. English Heritage member looking for a site in London? Go to Eltham Palace instead.