Jewel Tower

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.

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 very neat piece of history. The jewels are NOT stored here:) but many other things were and to learn about that and the history of the tower. If you happen to have a Democratic Access Tour booked for Parliament you get this for free. It is also an English Heritage site so worth seeing if you have a membership.

It's 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, it's 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

Hidden in plain sight, opposite the Houses of Parliament and next door to Westminster Abbey. Well worth a visit, but you need to be reasonably fit to manage the stairs. The staff are very helpful.

Fascinating little place run by English Heritage. Little tea room but no lavatories.Stairs are circular, tight, and a tad unnerving with the occasional gap. Start at the second floor and work downwards. Photo is taken from inside the Jewel Tower of the Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster, which now does some of the work previously done at the Jewel Tower.

Quiet historic gem hidden away amid bustling tourist areas- see the original 1 kg and 1 pound weights and measures, also some innovative displays and a 400 year old iron door!

Built in circa 1365 as the 'Jewel House' to safeguard Edward III's treasures, the tower is well tucked away between the Westminster Palace (House of Parliament) and Westminster Abbey.It's the only surviving part of the palace complex that was not destroyed by the 1834 fire and only because that day, the wind was blowing in a favourable direction for the tower.The walls are very thick, and the windows are small and fortified by iron bars, which back then made a possible roberry impossible.You can have a nice view over the House of Parliament, just across the street.It's an interesting and interactive place to visit. During hot days, it can provide a good shade for anyone in need.They also have a gift shop and a cafe from where you can purchase souvenirs or grab something to eat and drink.

Lovely little English Heritage place with so much history. It's small but quite a few interesting things to see.Easy to miss, I saw it just by accident and glad I went in. Give it a go.

not worth the ticket price. Only good for Heritage member on relax during walling. Upto 15 minutes visiting