In 1671 Thomas Blood hatched a scheme to steal the crown jewels of England. Disguised as a parson, he ingratiated himself with the crown jewels’ custodian. Blood suggested a meeting between the custodian’s daughter and his own “wealthy nephew” (in fact an accomplice thief). During the meeting, Blood and his “nephew” tried to steal the crown jewels but were caught. King Charles II was so impressed with Blood’s audacity that, rather than punishing him, he gave Blood lands worth £500 a year.