One of the most infamous jewel heists in history was the theft of the English Crown Jewels by Colonel Thomas Blood in 1671. Blood, disguised as a clergyman, managed to gain access to the Tower of London where the jewels were kept. He and his accomplices overpowered the guards and made off with the priceless treasures.

Surprisingly, instead of facing punishment for his audacious crime, Blood was pardoned by King Charles II. The reasons for this pardon are still debated by historians. Some believe that Blood had powerful connections that allowed him to escape justice, while others speculate that he may have had some dirt on the king himself.

Regardless of the reason for his pardon, Blood's daring heist has gone down in history as one of the most brazen thefts of all time. The stolen jewels were eventually recovered, but the audacity of the crime and the fact that the thief was pardoned by the king himself have made this story a legendary tale of intrigue and scandal.

If you want to learn more about this fascinating piece of history, there are plenty of resources available online. Websites like Historic Royal Palaces and Encyclopedia Britannica offer detailed information about the theft of the English Crown Jewels and the pardon of Colonel Thomas Blood.

So, next time you visit the Tower of London and gaze upon the magnificent Crown Jewels, remember the daring thief who almost got away with them and the king who pardoned him. It's a story that has captured the imaginations of people for centuries and continues to intrigue us to this day.

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