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Why Edward Blood, The Man Who Stole England’s Crown Jewels, Was Rewarded By The King
A daring crime not only went unpunished, the primary culprit was rewarded for his actions
The Crown Jewels of England is one of the most famous troves of opulence in the world. Gold and sumptuous jewels comprise this priceless collection. One might think that these have been well guarded and protected throughout history, but in the 17th century a man named Thomas Blood devised an elaborate plot to steal them. Although he was ultimately caught, instead he was rewarded with land that generated a large annual pension by King Charles II, which sustained him for the rest of his life.
Historians believe that Blood was born sometime between 1618–1624 in Ireland to a land-owning blacksmith whose family was originally from England. Because of the family’s relative success, he was able to be educated and began a successful military career that saw him rise to the level of an officer.
During the first English Civil War in 1642, Blood initially fought for the loyalists, but eventually switched over to Oliver Cromwell’s side. After King Charles II eventually regained power, confiscations of land and other holdings of those involved in the opposition helped financially ruin many, including the army officer…
