Coronation Jewels

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 217, 14 September 1936, Page 11

Coronation Jewels

QUEUES OF SIGHTSEERS.

Tho Crown Jewels are causing something of a traiiic problem in tho Tower of London. The Coronation, on'May 12 next year, has sent up their interest value to such an extent that they have become the chief attraction of the Tower, and this being September and Loudon crammed with visitors, the Yeomen of the Guard are finding it almost impossible to "move on” the thousands who come daily to gaze at the sceptre aud crown.

An average of 0000 persons a day have squeezed through the small, circular room where the jewels arc kept, aud tho queue stretches a hundred yards outside. There is a queue, too, at the ticket office, and another at the postcard kiosk, where you can buy coloured pictures of the regalia. The Crown Jewels have probably never done such a roaring sightseeing trade since the first day they were worn. Tho Yeomen of tho Guard regulate the slow stream of people mounting tho narrow, tortuous stone stairway; two Yeomen do their best to keep the crowd moving once they arc inside the room. It is not easy. The Imperial State Crown causes the worst traffic jam, for although it is not the crown which the King will wear at his coronation (he will receive the rather less splendid St. Edward’s crown, first made for the coronation of Charles 11., and used only for coronations since that day), it is by far the most splendid piece in tho whole case. In its present form it is 98 years old, having been remade for Queen Victoria’s coronation, but the jewels in it which hypnotise the crowd arc infinitely older.