This Fake Priest Almost Stole the Crown Jewels and Got REWARDED

Added: 2026-05-25

[00:00:00]In 1671, a fake priest almost pulled off the most audacious royal heist in history. Colonel Thomas Blood had his eyes on the Crown Jewels of England, locked away in the Tower of London [music] under heavy guard. Blood spent months playing the long game. He disguised himself as a clergyman and befriended Talbot Edwards, the elderly keeper [music] of the jewels, visited him regularly, built trust. Then Blood proposed something irresistible. His nephew wanted [music] to marry Edwards' daughter. On May 9th, Blood arrived with his wedding party to meet the bride's family. But it was all fake. The moment Edwards unlocked the jewel chamber, Blood's men attacked. They grabbed [music] the royal crown and orb. Blood smashed the crown with a mallet and stuffed it under his cloak. They were minutes [music] from escaping when Edwards' son unexpectedly returned. The alarm was raised. Blood was captured red-handed. But here's the twist [music] that shocked everyone. King Charles II didn't execute Blood. He pardoned him, gave him land and [music] a pension.

[00:00:55]Why? Blood likely had dirt on other plots against the crown. The ultimate get-out-of-jail-free card.