The Livery were well represented at the First visit the Livery has made to the Ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London for some time on March 13th . 2008 The meeting followed our regular Court of Livery meeting held at Guildhall, in the afternoon. By various means, Taxi, Shank’s pony, Underground or Bus, the 50 participants made their way to the Tower and at 7 30 pm sharp, the gates opened to let us all in.

The evening began with a full and detailed history of the Tower by a Yeoman Warden which was given because of the heavy rain, in the Tower Chapel. We then walked through the cobbled streets to the Yeoman Warders Mess, where we all enjoyed a most respondent buffet supper, with copious drinks followed by a fine desert table Refreshed, we then stood in the rain again to watch the most ancient ceremony of the keys

The ceremony of the keys at the Tower of London has been a nightly event for the last 700 years. Every night the Tower is locked up by the Chief Yeoman Warder. Dressed in a scarlet coat, Tudor bonnet, carrying a lantern and with foot guard escort, he makes his way to the gates from the Byward Tower at exactly 21:53.

He locks up the several gates, however, it is on approach to the archway of the Bloody Tower that the famous words are uttered:

A sentry challenges: ‘Halt! Who comes there?'
‘The keys’, comes the reply
‘Whose keys?’
‘Queen Elizabeth’s keys.’

A really most exciting and interesting piece of English History. After the soldiers had returned to their quarters and peace reigned at the risk of being locked in the Tower some Liverymen and their quests left through the small wicket gate to regain their freedom, whilst the Master and the remaining Liverymen and their guests were left to clear the plates and make sure that the Warders were left to rest, to prepare for another busy next day.

Thanks are due to the Master and Clerk for the organisation , Indeed a fine time was had by all.