Crown Jewels

Overview

Deep within the ancient walls of Edinburgh Castle, perched majestically atop Castle Rock in Scotland's capital, lies a collection of national treasures known as the Honours of Scotland. Often referred to as the Scottish Crown Jewels, these magnificent artifacts are the oldest surviving set of Crown Jewels in Britain, predating their English counterparts. They comprise three principal items: the Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State. These priceless objects are not merely ceremonial regalia; they are potent symbols of Scottish sovereignty, history, and national identity, drawing visitors from across the globe to witness their enduring splendor.

Housed in the Crown Room within the Royal Palace, the Honours offer a captivating glimpse into centuries of Scotland's royal heritage. Their journey from creation to public display is a tale rich with dramatic events, political intrigue, and unwavering national pride, making them a cornerstone of any visit to Edinburgh Castle.

History & Cultural Background

The history of the Honours of Scotland is as rich and intricate as their design. The three main components were crafted between the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The Sceptre, believed to be a gift from Pope Alexander VI to King James IV in 1494, was later remodelled in 1536. The Sword of State followed, presented to James IV by Pope Julius II in 1507. The Crown of Scotland, in its current form, was remodelled in 1540 for James V, incorporating elements from an earlier crown, possibly dating back to Robert the Bruce, and was first worn by James V at the coronation of his consort, Mary of Guise.

The Honours were first used together for the coronation of the infant Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543. From the Union of the Crowns in 1603 until the Act of Union in 1707, they were present at sittings of the Scottish Parliament to signify the monarch's presence and their assent to parliamentary acts.

Their existence has been far from peaceful. During the tumultuous period of Oliver Cromwell's invasion in the 1650s, the Honours were spirited away from Edinburgh Castle to protect them from destruction. They were famously hidden at Dunnottar Castle and later concealed beneath the floor of Kinneff Parish Church. Following the Act of Union with England in 1707, they were locked away in a chest within Edinburgh Castle's Crown Room and largely forgotten for over a century. It was the celebrated novelist Sir Walter Scott who, in 1818, received permission from the Prince Regent to search for them, leading to their dramatic rediscovery. Since then, they have been on continuous public display, except for brief periods of wartime safeguarding. In more recent times, the Crown of Scotland has been symbolically present at the opening of the Scottish Parliament and featured in the National Service of Thanksgiving for King Charles III in 2023.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Honours of Scotland apart is their remarkable survival and profound historical depth. Unlike the English Crown Jewels, which were largely destroyed during the English Civil War, the Scottish regalia endured centuries of political strife and attempts at concealment, preserving a tangible link to Scotland's ancient monarchy.

Each piece is a masterpiece of early modern craftsmanship. The Crown, weighing 1.64kg, is fashioned from Scottish gold, adorned with ninety-four pearls and forty-three gemstones including garnets and amethysts. It features a rich red velvet cap and crosses encrusted with pearls. The Sceptre, made of silver-gilt, boasts intricate carvings of dolphins, Saint Andrew, Saint James, and the Virgin and Child, topped with a polished Cairngorm crystal and a Scottish freshwater pearl. The Sword of State, a gift from Pope Julius II, showcases exquisite Renaissance decoration, with a metre-long blade and detailed themes on its handle. These exquisite details and their journey through time make them not just jewels, but narratives in precious metal and stone.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The saga of the Honours is filled with compelling stories. One of the most famous involves their daring rescue from Oliver Cromwell's forces in the 17th century. Legend has it that the Honours were smuggled out of Dunnottar Castle in a washing basket or concealed beneath a minister's bed, then buried under the floor of Kinneff Parish Church to prevent their capture.

Another fascinating chapter is their rediscovery in 1818 by Sir Walter Scott. After being locked away for 111 years following the Act of Union, Scott, with a royal warrant, broke open the sealed oak chest in Edinburgh Castle's Crown Room, revealing the perfectly preserved treasures to a new generation. This event sparked a renewed interest in Scottish heritage.

The Sceptre and Sword were papal gifts, signifying Scotland's unique standing as a 'special daughter' of the Holy See. The Crown itself incorporates gold believed to be from a much older Scottish crown, possibly even dating back to Robert the Bruce, linking these jewels directly to iconic figures in Scottish history. Until recently, the Stone of Destiny, the ancient coronation seat of Scottish monarchs, was also displayed alongside the Honours, further enriching the collection's historical narrative. It has now been moved to Perth Museum.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Crown Jewels at Edinburgh Castle is a highlight for many travelers. The Honours are located in the specially designed Crown Room, found within the Royal Palace. Due to their immense popularity, it is common to encounter queues, particularly during peak seasons. To enhance your experience, arriving early in the morning shortly after opening or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the longest waiting times.

Your admission to Edinburgh Castle includes access to the Crown Room. The exhibition preceding the display provides a detailed historical context, preparing you for the moment you stand before these incredible artifacts. Seeing the Crown of Scotland, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State up close offers a powerful connection to Scotland's rich royal past and enduring spirit. It is a moment that truly brings history to life, allowing visitors to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and the profound cultural significance of these irreplaceable national treasures.