Thomas Blood (1618-1680) was a 17th-century Irish rogue who almost pulled off one of British history’s most brazen heists. In 1671, he posed as a clergyman and attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Blood befriended the Keeper, overpowered him, and nearly escaped with the treasures. But he was caught by guards and brought before King Charles II, expecting execution.
Surprisingly, the king pardoned Blood and rewarded him with Irish lands. This unexpected development cemented Blood’s reputation as a daring and enigmatic figure. His audacious plot and the king’s peculiar response still captivate imaginations centuries later.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Blood was born into a prosperous Irish family in 1618. His roots were in County Meath, Ireland, where his family’s influence extended to his grandfather’s position as a Member of Parliament. Blood’s early years were marked by privilege, but the tumultuous events of the English Civil War determined his path.
Blood initially fought for Charles I, but he later switched sides and joined Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads. This allegiance shift proved beneficial, as Cromwell rewarded Blood with a justice of the peace position and a substantial estate.
However, Blood’s fortunes took a dramatic turn with Charles II’s restoration to the throne. Forced to flee to Ireland, he became embroiled in a plot to seize Dublin Castle. When his attempt failed, Blood narrowly escaped capture and returned to England in 1670. He adopted the alias Ayloffe and practiced as a doctor while plotting his next move. At the time, Blood hatched his brazen plan to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London.
Rise to Notoriety
First, Blood set his sights on the Duke of Ormond, plotting to kidnap and possibly murder him. This brazen plan earned Blood a substantial bounty on his head, but it didn’t deter him from pursuing even more ambitious goals. In 1671, he hatched his most daring scheme yet: stealing the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London.
Blood posed as a clergyman to access the Jewel House and attempt to make off with the priceless regalia. Though his heist was ultimately foiled, you can’t help marveling at his boldness. Blood overpowered The Keeper of the Jewels and his family, but his escape was thwarted at the last moment. Surprisingly, King Charles II pardoned Blood, cementing his reputation as a resourceful and enigmatic figure in English criminal history.
The Crown Jewels Plot
In 1671, Blood concocted his most audacious plot yet: stealing the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Colonel Thomas Blood disguised as a parson and befriended Talbot Edwards, the keeper of the Jewel House. He would visit Edwards multiple times, building trust and familiarity.
On May 9th, Blood arrived with accomplices, claiming he wanted to show them the Crown Jewels. Once inside the Martin Tower, they overpowered Edwards and accessed the treasures. Blood flattened the Imperial State Crown with a mallet, stuffing it into his clerical robes. His companions grabbed the Orb and Scepter.
As they fled, Edwards’s son returned unexpectedly, raising the alarm. Guards captured Blood and his cohorts before they could escape the Tower grounds. The theft had misfired, but Blood’s audacity wasn’t done. When he was brought before King Charles II, Blood charmed the monarch with his boldness. Surprisingly, instead of execution, Blood received a pardon and a considerable piece of land in Ireland. This unexpected twist only added to the notoriety of his infamous Crown Jewels plot.
Executing the Daring Heist
On the fateful day of May 9, 1671, Blood’s painstakingly planned heist sprang into action. You’d see Blood and his accomplices, cleverly disguised as parsons, gain entry to the Tower of London. Their target? The priceless Crown Jewels – symbols of King Charles II’s power and authority.
Once inside, they’d overpower the elderly Keeper, Talbot Edwards, swiftly moving to seize their prize. You’d witness them grab the Imperial State Crown, Sceptre, and Sovereign’s Orb, working quickly to conceal their loot. Blood would attempt to flatten the crown, while his men would stuff the other jewels into their clothing.
But their daring attempt wouldn’t go unnoticed for long. As they planned their escape, Edwards’ son Wythe would return home, spotting the lookout and raising the alarm. You’d see Tower guards spring into action, initiating a frantic chase through London’s streets.
Despite their brazen plan, Blood and his men failed. They’d be apprehended before they could make off with the royal treasures, their bold attempt foiled by quick-thinking guards and sheer luck.
Capture and Royal Encounter
anonymous, Thomas Blood. Line engraving by C. Grignion after S. Wale. Wellcome V0000599, CC BY 4.0
Blood’s audacious heist failed as Tower guards swiftly captured him while he attempted to flee. Blood now faced the wrath of England’s monarch, but what happened next would stun the nation.
Brought before King Charles II of England, Blood’s fate seemed sealed. But surprisingly, the king was amused by the thief’s audacity. Instead of condemning Blood, Charles II issued a full pardon and even rewarded him with Irish lands worth £500 annually.
This unanticipated royal encounter solidified Blood’s notoriety and guaranteed him a place as a legendary figure in British history. The reasons behind the king’s decision remain a subject of speculation, but three factors likely contributed:
- Blood’s refusal to reveal his accomplices
- His confession to planning the king’s assassination
- Charles II’s fascination with Blood’s daring personality
The Crown Jewels were returned to the Tower of London, and Colonel Blood walked away not only with his life. He also walked away with a generous royal gift. This extraordinary outcome secured that Thomas Blood’s name would be forever etched in the annals of England’s most infamous thieves.
Unexpected Pardon and Aftermath
King Charles II’s decision to pardon Blood stunned England. Instead of facing execution for his audacious attempt to steal the Crown Jewels, Blood received a full pardon and an annual pension of £500. You might wonder why the King would show such clemency to a notorious criminal. Some saw it as a way to reward Blood’s adventurous spirit and cunning, while others viewed it as a symbolic gesture addressing Irish discontent with the Restoration of the monarchy.
You’d be surprised to learn that Blood was even allowed to keep some of the stolen jewels, further fueling public fascination with his daring exploits. The thief quickly became a familiar figure in London, frequently appearing at the royal court. This unexpected development altered Blood from a condemned criminal to a somewhat celebrated figure.
Considering the aftermath of this unusual pardon, it’s clear that Blood’s story captured the public’s imagination and continues to intrigue us today. The King’s controversial decision remains a subject of debate, highlighting the complex political milieu of 17th-century England.
Legacy of the Audacious Thief
Thomas Blood’s brazen attempt to steal the Crown Jewels has left a lasting mark on British history. How could a failed heist solidify someone’s legacy as an audacious adventurer and notorious figure? The answer lies in the sheer audacity of Blood’s plan and the unexpected aftermath.
Consider these remarkable aspects of Blood’s story:
- He infiltrated the heavily guarded Tower of London, coming close to absconding with the Crown Jewels.
- Despite his failure, he received a pardon from King Charles II, along with a bestowment of lands and a pension.
- His exploits have enchanted the public imagination for centuries, inspiring numerous depictions in literature and film.
Blood’s character has become synonymous with daring and cunning. His legacy is a testament to the power of audacity, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. The “Crown Jewel Thief” continues to fascinate the public. Blood’s story reminds you that sometimes, the most memorable figures in history are those who dare to attempt the impossible, regardless of the outcome.