Waterloo Block Originally called the Waterloo Barracks, and constructed in a castellated neo-gothic style, the building replaced the Grand Storehouse which was destroyed by fire in 1841. The foundation stone, laid by the Duke of Wellington in 1845, can be seen at the north-east end of the building. The name refers to Battle of Waterloo and the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. The cannons in front of the building were captured from the French at Waterloo. The block is now used to house the Tower guard and, since 1967, the Jewel House. Jewel House The Jewel House is in the Waterloo Barracks in the Inner Ward. Once you enter the Jewel House you pass through a sereis of introductory areas which illustrate the use and history of the jewels, and include footage of the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, before reaching the Treasury where the Crown Jewels are held. The Crown Jewels have been on public display at the Tower of London since the 17th century in a number of locations including the Martin Tower and the Wakefield Tower. Today they are housed in the Waterloo Barracks. Scots Guard outside the Jewel House