Looting fears sees Tower of London store millions of pounds worth of relics

Millions of pounds worth of Church of England relics have been stored at the Tower of London and other secure locations over fears of looting.

The Telegraph reported that artefacts from Church’s which are now closed due to the outbreak have stored valuable items at the Tower of London.

The Tower of London have stored the Royal Crown Jewels since 1661 and is one of the safest places in London, which now holds the “Church plate.”

Church officials stated that “valuables from London’s churches have been moved to a number of secure locations” to “ensure their safety, away from our churches, while church buildings remain closed.”

A spokesman from the Diocese of London said: “The focus of the operation has about preserving and protecting heritage, as London’s priests and churches act as stewards of so much of the capital’s rich history.

“The Diocese of London’s Parish Property Support Team worked with an independent conservator over several days to ensure that everything was properly logged before being packed carefully into crates and transported via a number of vehicles, before being taken to secure locations.

“Not all of the items could be fully valued, because some are so rare and unusual. Even London’s priests do not know the exact locations where items from their churches are being housed for safe-keeping.

“The authorities, included the police, were informed about the operation and the Diocese ensured that the current social-distancing measures were maintained.”

A Tower of London spokeswoman said: “We are very happy to look after the church plate during the lockdown.”