The Tower of London Crown Jewels conveyor belt is a modern marvel designed to manage the high volume of visitors while ensuring the security and preservation of the priceless royal regalia. This travelator system, implemented in 2012, allows for a smooth and efficient flow of up to 20,000 daily visitors through the Jewel House exhibition, providing an orderly and immersive experience for viewers while maintaining strict security measures.
What is the Purpose of the Crown Jewels Conveyor Belt?
The primary purpose of the conveyor belt system at the Tower of London’s Jewel House is to:
- Manage large visitor numbers efficiently
- Ensure smooth flow through the exhibition
- Prevent congestion and blockages
- Allow visitors to view the jewels from multiple angles
- Maintain security of the priceless artifacts
This innovative system balances the need for public access with the paramount importance of protecting the Crown Jewels, which are symbols of the British monarchy and national treasures.
How Does the Conveyor Belt System Enhance Visitor Experience?
The conveyor belt, or travelator, significantly improves the visitor experience in several ways:
- Provides a continuous and orderly flow through the exhibition
- Prevents bottlenecks and long wait times
- Allows visitors to view the jewels from different perspectives
- Complements audio and film presentations about the jewels’ history
- Works in tandem with improved lighting to showcase the jewels naturally
By controlling the pace and flow of visitors, the system ensures that everyone gets a fair opportunity to view the Crown Jewels without feeling rushed or crowded.
What Security Measures Accompany the Conveyor Belt?
Security is paramount when it comes to the Crown Jewels. The conveyor belt system is just one part of a comprehensive security setup:
| Security Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Steel Doors | Six-inch-thick, two-tonne doors protect the Jewel House |
| Armed Guards | Constant supervision by armed police officers and wardens |
| Restricted Handling | Only the Crown Jeweller is authorized to handle the regalia |
| Secure Display Cases | Jewels are housed in fortified glass cases |
| Controlled Environment | Conveyor belt prevents visitors from touching or approaching the jewels |
These measures work in concert to ensure the safety and preservation of these invaluable historical artifacts.
How is the Exhibition Layout Designed Around the Conveyor Belt?
The exhibition layout is carefully planned to complement the conveyor belt system:
- Introduction Area
- Video explaining the history and significance of the Crown Jewels
-
Preparation for the main display
-
Main Display Area
- Visitors step onto the conveyor belt
- Jewels displayed in order of use during coronation ceremony
-
Key items include Imperial State Crown and St. Edward’s Crown
-
Final Section
- Display of transport cases for crowns and accessories
- Additional information on ceremonial use of the jewels
This layout ensures that visitors receive a comprehensive understanding of the Crown Jewels’ importance before, during, and after viewing the main display.
What are the Operational Details of the Conveyor Belt System?
While specific operational details are not publicly disclosed for security reasons, we know that:
- The system can accommodate up to 20,000 visitors per day
- It operates continuously during the Tower of London’s opening hours
- The belt moves at a pace that allows for adequate viewing time
The system’s efficiency is crucial in managing the high volume of visitors while providing a satisfactory viewing experience.
How Much Did the Conveyor Belt System Cost?
The conveyor belt system was part of a larger renovation of the Jewel House in 2012:
- Total cost of renovation: £2.5 million
- Improvements included:
- Installation and upgrade of the conveyor belt system
- New lighting setup
- Creation of a new introduction area
- Enhanced accessibility features
While the specific cost of the conveyor belt system is not publicly available, it was a significant component of this comprehensive upgrade.
What Maintenance is Required for the Conveyor Belt?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the conveyor belt system running smoothly:
- Daily inspections to ensure operational safety
- Periodic lubrication and adjustment of moving parts
- Regular cleaning to maintain hygiene standards
- Scheduled replacements of worn components
- Annual comprehensive inspections and overhauls
These maintenance procedures are crucial to ensure the system’s longevity and reliability, given its daily heavy use.
How Does the Conveyor Belt Contribute to the Overall Tower of London Experience?
The conveyor belt system is an integral part of the Tower of London experience:
- Modernizes the historical site with cutting-edge technology
- Balances preservation of tradition with contemporary visitor management
- Enhances the overall flow of visitors throughout the Tower complex
- Contributes to the Tower’s reputation as a world-class tourist attraction
- Allows for a more controlled and informative presentation of the Crown Jewels
By efficiently managing the Crown Jewels viewing process, the conveyor belt system improves the overall visitor experience at one of London’s most popular historical sites.
References:
– Jewel House – Wikipedia
– See the Crown Jewels | Tower of London – Historic Royal Palaces
– Discover 1000 years of British history at the Tower of London – Headout