We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Entertainment

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Are Thieves Ever Rewarded for Their Audaciousness?

Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,432
References
Share

Anyone who believes that crime doesn't pay has obviously never tried to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. In 1671, an Irishman named Thomas Blood enacted a plot to steal the prized bounty that entailed ingratiating himself with the jewels' guard, Talbot Edwards, and then bringing in several accomplices to attempt the most daring theft in British history. Needless to say, they didn't get far.

While they managed to get Edwards to unlock the jewels before knocking him out cold, the group fumbled with the loot and were stopped before getting out of the compound. This, however, is when things got truly strange. Blood refused to answer to anyone except King Charles II and was brought to the palace, where the king, his cousin Prince Rupert, and others heard him out. Charles, clearly charmed, asked Blood what he would do if given his life. Blood replied that he would "endeavor to deserve it." With that, Charles not only freed Blood, but also gave him a homestead in Ireland. Historical scholars have long debated why Charles was so lenient with Blood, and no doubt many other thieves have wondered why they weren't so lucky after they were caught.

Charles II, the Merry Monarch:

  • Charles II brought Christmas back to a nation that had been deprived of such celebrations by the austere rule of Oliver Cromwell.

  • Charles II faced the twin calamities of the Great Plague of London in 1665 and the Great Fire of London in 1666.

  • Charles II was known as the "Merry Monarch" for his good nature and the lively hedonism of his reign.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/are-thieves-ever-awarded-for-their-audacity.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.