The CROWN JEWELS OF SCOTLAND, otherwise known as the Scottish Regalia or the Honours of Scotland have had some wild adventures in their time. In 1652, after the fall of the monarchy, they were smuggled out of Dunnottar Castle and hidden in Kinneff Kirk for eight years in order to protect them from destruction at the hands of Oliver Cromwell. They were later lost for over a century after the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England/Wales, only for the missing crown jewels to be dramatically rediscovered in 1818 by famed Scottish writer, Sir Walter Scott. In the 20th century they were hidden from the Nazis during World War 2, but they now reside (in peace) in Edinburgh Castle, where they can be viewed by visitors. These famous royal jewels consist of the crown of Scotland, the sword of Scotland (more formally known as the sword of State) and the sceptre. They are the oldest crown jewels in Britain, having been created around half a millennium ago for King James IV and King James V of Scotland. Of course, what is the purpose of crown jewels, but to be used in official royal events and as well as their escapades dodging roundheads and Nazis, these items have been used in the coronations of monarchs including the baby Mary, Queen of Scots (just one of the famous royal women who have worn them by the way) and the exiled Charles II, who was crowned in Scotland during the interregnum in what turned out to be the last Scottish coronation. In this royal jewels documentary from History Calling, we look at the history of these stunning and ancient items, which are surely the most famous Stuart jewels ever created for, or given to that royal family.
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