Unearthing the Final Resting Place of Colonel Thomas Blood
The name Colonel Thomas Blood conjures images of daring heists, audacious escapes, and a life lived on the edge of infamy. But beyond the tales of his most infamous exploit – the attempted theft of the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London – lies a question that has puzzled historians and trivia enthusiasts for centuries: Where is Colonel Blood buried? The answer, as with much of Blood's life, is shrouded in a degree of uncertainty and debate, though a strong consensus points to a specific location.
The Bold Attempt on the Crown Jewels
Before we delve into his burial site, it's important to remember the man and his most audacious act. Colonel Thomas Blood, an Anglo-Irish soldier and adventurer, was a man of considerable nerve. In 1671, he, along with accomplices, stormed the Tower of London with the intent of stealing the Crown Jewels. While they managed to subdue the Jewel House keeper, they were apprehended before they could make their escape. The sheer audacity of the attempt, and the fact that Blood was not immediately executed, has added to his legendary status.
A Pardon and a Quiet End
Remarkably, King Charles II, rather than condemning Blood to death, not only pardoned him but also granted him lands in Ireland and a pension. The exact reasons for this unexpected clemency are debated, with theories ranging from the King's amusement at Blood's daring to suspicions of Blood being an informant. Following this pardon, Blood largely disappeared from public notoriety, living out the remainder of his days in relative obscurity.
The Most Likely Burial Site: St. Giles-in-the-Fields
The prevailing historical consensus, supported by contemporary records and later research, indicates that Colonel Thomas Blood is buried in the churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields, a historic Anglican parish church in London. He is believed to have died on May 24, 1680.
While definitive, pinpoint markers are rare for individuals of Blood's social standing at the time, especially those who had fallen in and out of royal favor, the parish registers of St. Giles-in-the-Fields do record his burial. The church itself has a long and storied history, having witnessed numerous significant events and burials over the centuries.
It is important to note that records from this period, particularly for those not of the highest aristocracy, can be incomplete or subject to interpretation. However, the evidence pointing to St. Giles-in-the-Fields is considered the most credible by most historians.
Why the Uncertainty?
The mystery surrounding Colonel Blood's burial stems from several factors:
- Lack of prominent grave marker: Unlike royalty or very wealthy nobles, individuals like Blood, even after a pardon, might not have had elaborate or permanent grave markers that survived the passage of time.
- Records of the era: Parish records, while valuable, can sometimes be damaged, incomplete, or open to interpretation, especially concerning less prominent individuals.
- The nature of his life: Blood was a man who operated in the shadows and in the public eye, often shifting between roles. His end was likely quieter than his life.
St. Giles-in-the-Fields: A Glimpse into the Past
St. Giles-in-the-Fields is located in the heart of London, and its churchyard has served as the final resting place for many notable figures throughout history. While a specific gravestone for Colonel Blood may not be easily identifiable today, the church itself stands as a testament to the era in which he lived and died. Its ancient stones and historical significance offer a tangible link to the time when the audacious Colonel made his mark.
The church has undergone numerous renovations and rebuilds over the centuries, which can also contribute to the disappearance of individual grave markers. However, the continuity of the parish and its records remains the primary basis for the attribution of Blood's burial to this location.
A Legacy of Intrigue
Colonel Thomas Blood's life was a tapestry woven with threads of courage, cunning, and perhaps even treachery. His attempt on the Crown Jewels remains one of history's most daring robberies, forever cementing his place in the annals of rogues and adventurers. While his final resting place may not be marked with grand fanfare, the churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields in London holds the most likely answer to the enduring question: Where is Colonel Blood buried?
Frequently Asked Questions about Colonel Blood's Burial
How certain are historians about Colonel Blood's burial place?
Historians are reasonably certain that Colonel Thomas Blood is buried in the churchyard of St. Giles-in-the-Fields in London. This conclusion is based on the available parish registers from the time of his death in 1680. While definitive tomb markers can be elusive for individuals from that era, the contemporary records at St. Giles are considered the most reliable evidence.
Why wasn't Colonel Blood executed after trying to steal the Crown Jewels?
The reasons for King Charles II's pardon of Colonel Blood are not definitively known, but several theories exist. It's widely believed that the King was either amused by the sheer audacity of Blood's attempt or that Blood may have provided valuable intelligence to the Crown. The King's leniency was highly unusual and contributed significantly to Blood's legend.
Is there a specific grave marker for Colonel Blood at St. Giles-in-the-Fields?
It is unlikely that there is a clearly identifiable and distinct grave marker for Colonel Thomas Blood at St. Giles-in-the-Fields today. Many grave markers from the 17th century have been lost to time due to erosion, rebuilding of the churchyard, or lack of initial ornamentation for individuals who were not of the highest nobility.
What was Colonel Blood's most famous deed?
Colonel Thomas Blood's most famous deed was his audacious attempt to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London in 1671. He managed to almost succeed in his daring plan before being apprehended. This act of bravado, and the subsequent pardon he received, cemented his reputation as a notorious and legendary figure.
