Queens Gallery

Royal crowns and sceptre

Symbols of imperial Majesty: St Edward's Crown, with 444 precious stones, remains one of the senior Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom, being the official coronation crown. Imperial State Crown, symbolises the sovereignty of the monarch, there have been several versions since the 15th century, similar to that of St Edward's Crown, but shorter and encrusted with jewels, precious gems, diamonds, pearls, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. State Crown of Queen Mary Consort of King George V of England. Imperial Crown of India, was the crown of three British sovereigns as Emperors of India during the final decades of the Indian Empire. Date: 1935

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

The Queen's House Ghost on the Tulip Staircase. In 1966

The Queen's House Ghost on the Tulip Staircase. In 1966, a retired Canadian Reverend and his wife visited the Queen's House, Greenwich, London. The couple had heard about the famous Tulip staircase and took a photograph, however, once developed on their return to the Canada, they saw the photograph had also captured the image of a spectral, shrouded figure, ascending the stairs in pursuit of a second (and possibly a third) figure. The Rev and Mrs R. W. Hardy were adamant there was no figure on the stairway when the photograph was taken. The image remains an enigma to this day... Date: 1966

© The Estate of Peter Underwood / Mark Lyon Collection / Mary Evans

Recruiting poster for the 7th Regiment of Light Dragoons

Recruiting poster for the 7th (or The Queen?s Own) Regiment of (Light Dragoons), 1809.The 7th (or The Queen?s Own) Regiment of (Light Dragoons) had served in Sir John Moore?s Spanish campaign of 1808-1809. His army was forced to retreat and was evacuated by sea from Corunna in Jan 1809. The regiment suffered heavy casualties in the campaign and 70 more men were lost when the troopship taking them home was shipwrecked off the Cornish coast. On its return to England the regiment began recruiting to replace the losses. Date: 1809

© The National Army Museum / Mary Evans Picture Library