ROYAL GEM

Hokitika Guardian, 26 August 1933, Page 6

ROYAL GEM

GIUM HISTORY OF A RUBY

SPANISH REIGN OF TERROR

In the lloyal Crown of King George there is a glowing, beautiful ruby. The story of how it c-aine to Britain is the tragedy of a royal monarch whose rule iii Spain was an era of terror. /

The story- is that of a murder. The King was “Pedro the Cruel.”' He was only 16 years old when he came to the throne, but- he scon began the bitterest period of Seville’s history. Death- walked the narrow Arab-look-ing streets. Rivals and opponents were put to the sword, people were burned to death in the public square. The blood-lust of “P-edro the Cruel” led him to haVe his own wife, Blanche of Bourbon, murdered. His brother turned to his hated foe; and challenged him, for the country’s crown. Then Pedro descended on the lovely city of Granada. He killed the Red King of Granada and. looted his treasures, leaving a trail of terror behind him. Among those treasures was a gorgeous ruby, which Pedro carried away with him-to. Seville. The tyrant did not, enjoy his loot .for long. Enrique, his brother, led the l'evolt against his tyranny, and Pedroat last had to flee from Seville. He went to the French city of Bordeaux, where Edward, the Black Prince of Britain, was in possession. Pedro sought sanctuary with the warrior and rewarded him with the gorgeous ruby stolen- from the crown of .Granada. His brother pursued him to Bordeaux, and there Pedro was him"self killed $ _ •„ -r • J