Crown Jewels visit to Kirkham Grammar School

Kirkham Grammar School were delighted to host a display of one of only two sets of replica Crown Jewels, kindly brought into school by Mr Peter Jackson of Peter Jackson The Jeweller. 

Pupils and staff from both the Junior and Senior Schools were given the opportunity to have a look at the amazing selection on display which included The Imperial State Crown, St Edward's Crown, Queen Mary's Crown, George IV Diadem, Queen Victoria's Crown, Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara and The Spencer Tiara.

The children were able to hold some of the priceless pieces, with some even being given the opportunity to try on Lady Diana’s ‘Spencer Tiara’, which still belongs to the Spencer family and has not been publicly worn since her death in 1997. 

The pupils were mesmerised by The Imperial State Crown, which has a 317 carat Cullinan Diamond, the centerpiece of the crown, and is the second largest diamond cut from the largest rough diamond ever found, discovered in Cullinan, South Africa in 1905. 

The crown was adjusted for Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953, with the head size reduced to give a more feminine appearance. Some of the pupils were able to sit on the KGS ‘Throne’ and hold the replica St Edward’s Crown, the original being a centerpiece of the British Crown Jewels, which is only on public display in the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

Pupils were captivated by The Cambridge Lovers Knot Tiara, which was loaned to Princess Diana to wear on her wedding day, however she chose instead to wear the Spencer Tiara, but still wore this beautiful piece many times. When Diana and Charles divorced, it was returned to the Queen and kept in a safe at Buckingham Palace, where it was not seen again until 2015 when it was worn by the Duchess of Cambridge at a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace. Kate has worn it several times since. Will it be seen again this coming Saturday?

Thank you to Peter Jackson for giving KGS this wonderful opportunity, at a very exciting time for the Royals and the country, with the Royal Wedding only a couple of days away!