This office is a strong stone room, in which are kept the crown, ball,
and sceptre, used by the kings of England at their coronation, all richly
set with jewels; besides other crowns and regal ornaments, and some
pieces of curious old plate. The crown worn by the king when he goes in
state to the House of Lords, is enriched with an emerald seven inches
round, with other gems of great value. Great precautions are taken to
secure the regalia, the whole being enclosed within a grate. This was
found needful in the days of Charles the Second, after a daring,
unprincipled man, named _Blood_, had attempted to steal the crown and
other royal ornaments. Under the form of a clergyman, and pretended
friendship to Mr. Edwards, who was keeper of the jewels, he introduced
three of his companions, as wicked as himself, and having knocked down
and gagged the unsuspecting old man, they concealed the crown and other
valuables under their clothes, and were going off with their booty,
leaving the keeper, as they supposed, dead, or stunned with their blows,
on the floor; but he never lost his senses, and taking advantage of their
security, forced out the gag, and calling for assistance, pursued the
villains, and recovered the spoil!