The Crown Jewels Heist: Thomas Blood's Audacious Theft
Thomas Blood smashed St. Edward's Crown with a mallet to hide it beneath his clerical coat during a daring heist at the Tower of London. The robbery failed when the keeper's son raised the alarm, allowing guards to chase the gang down and recover the jewels. Blood's audacious escape attempt ended in capture, yet King Charles II pardoned him and even granted him land for the "gallant" effort.
May 9, 1671
355 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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