The Tower of London, a historic medieval palace nestled in the heart of London, boasts a rich tapestry of customs and traditions woven into its fabric. These ceremonies, deeply rooted in the fortress’s history, are dedicated to preserving its security and grandeur. Amazingly, many of these age-old rituals have endured, adding a layer of mystique to this modern-day city landmark.
Daily Rituals: A Glimpse into Fortress Life
The Tower of London, a complex of 21 towers housing the Crown Jewels, thrives on the tireless dedication of two distinct groups: the King’s Guard and the Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters. These men, united by their shared purpose, collaborate to ensure the fortress remains safe and its operations run smoothly.
The King’s Guard, comprising 21 members, stands as the vigilant guardians of the Tower, responsible for its continuous security. The Beefeaters, on the other hand, are retired military personnel who reside within the Tower, managing its daily operations. Their presence, steeped in history and tradition, adds a unique character to the fortress.
The day begins with a symbolic act – the opening ceremony. Every day, the fortress must be unlocked, allowing visitors to explore its captivating history. At 9 AM (Tuesday to Saturday) or 10 AM (Sunday and Monday), the Duty Yeoman Warder, accompanied by a military escort, performs the ritual of opening the Middle Tower and the Byward Tower, granting access to the public.
How to Witness the Opening Ceremony:
You can catch a glimpse of this fascinating ceremony by arriving early at the Tower Wharf adjacent to the River Thames. Just before the clock strikes 9 or 10, you’ll see the Yeoman Warder, accompanied by guards, unlocking the castle. It’s a captivating glimpse into the fortress’s daily routine and a delightful bonus for early birds!
The Ceremony of the Word: Securing the Tower’s Secrets
The Tower of London, a bustling mini-village, requires its residents to move freely, just like you do in your own home. But what happens after 10 PM when the gates are locked and before 9/10 AM when they are unlocked? That’s where the Ceremony of the Word comes into play.
Each day at 3 PM, a new password is bestowed. You can witness this unique ceremony as the Officer of the Guard, accompanied by soldiers, makes their way from the Jewel House to the King’s House. They are met by the Chief Yeoman Warder who presents a small leather pouch containing the new password for the next 24 hours. This shared secret allows soldiers and residents to enter and leave the Tower freely.
How to Witness the Ceremony of the Word:
Head towards the Bloody Tower shortly before 3 PM and stand near the red arrow marked on the map. Watch as the guards march from the Jewel House, turning towards Tower Green to participate in this fascinating ritual. You can capture this ceremony on video or photos, creating a lasting memory of this historical moment.
The Ceremony of the Keys: A Time-Honored Ritual
The Ceremony of the Keys, arguably the most renowned ceremony at the Tower of London, is a time-honored custom dating back nearly 700 years. Every evening at 10 PM, this ancient ritual unfolds, symbolizing the locking of the main gates.
At 9:53 PM, the ceremony begins as the Chief Yeoman Warder, adorned in a bright red coat and a Tudor bonnet, carrying a candle lantern, departs from the Byward Tower. He journeys towards Traitor’s Gate and the Bloody Tower, where he is greeted by four duty regiment foot guards who form the “escort to the keys“.
The Yeoman Warder hands the lantern to a guard and together they walk towards the outer gate, commencing the formal locking of the Tower complex. Soldiers assist the Yeoman Warder in ceremonially locking both the inner and outer oak gates.
As they return towards the Bloody Tower archway, a soldier challenges the group with a specific phrase:
“Halt! Who goes there?”
The Chief Yeoman Warder and his escort stand at the foot of the Broadway Steps. The escort presents arms. The Chief Warder steps forward, lifts his Tudor bonnet high above his head, and calls:
“The keys of the Tower and all within!”
Seven minutes later, at precisely 10 PM, the last post is played by the duty drummer. The King’s keys are returned to the King’s House, and the gate-closing ritual is completed. This meticulously preserved tradition has persisted for nearly 700 years, enduring even the turbulent days of WWII, except for a brief delay caused by a bomb that struck the Royal Mint, tragically claiming the life of a Yeoman Warder.
How to Witness the Ceremony of the Keys:
You can witness the Ceremony of the Keys firsthand, but due to its popularity, booking in advance is essential. While there is no waiting list, you can check the Historic Royal Palaces website for ticket availability. Tickets cost £5 each, and the named ticket holder must be present for your group to enter.
Visitors are welcomed at the Tower entrance at 9:30 PM, and strict time adherence is mandatory; latecomers will not be granted entry. The Yeoman Warders provide a concise yet captivating guided tour, highlighting the Tower’s most crucial information.
Once the outer gate is locked, the last post is played, marking the completion of the Ceremony of the Keys. You will have witnessed the oldest extant military ceremony in the world. At 10:05 PM, visitors are escorted out through a designated exit.
A Ceremony of Dues: A Legacy of Trade
London, a significant port city for centuries, thrived on trade with the world. The River Thames, a vital artery of commerce, saw ships laden with goods from distant shores arrive at London Bridge. To ensure the Tower Constable’s authority, a percentage of cargo, known as “Dues”, was collected from these ships.
This custom has evolved into a ceremony that takes place whenever a Royal Navy vessel docks at the Tower Wharf. The Chief Yeoman Warder, accompanied by Beefeaters, escorts a barrel of wine, representing the Dues, to Tower Green where it is presented to the Constable.
Though ceremonial, the wine is not wasted; it is opened and enjoyed following the presentation, adding a touch of conviviality to this time-honored tradition. The date of this ceremony is announced on the Historic Royal Palaces website, providing an opportunity for visitors to witness this unique event.
Beating the Bounds: Defining the Tower’s Realm
The Tower of London, a vast medieval complex, stretches from Tower Hill to the Thames. The area under its control, known as the “Tower Liberties”, extends as far as an arrow could be fired from the fortress walls!
Until 1894, residing within the Tower Liberties meant being under the jurisdiction of the Tower, making it crucial to know the exact boundaries. These boundaries are marked by stones, and to ensure everyone was aware, children participated in the ceremony of “Beating the Bounds.” They would walk along the boundary, whipping the marker stones with willow wands, imprinting the boundaries in their minds while also protecting the land from evil spirits. This ceremony was a significant event in the local area.
Although the Tower Liberties no longer enjoy independent status, the tradition of Beating the Bounds continues every three years on the evening of Ascension Day. Local children, led by Beefeaters, walk around the local streets, beating the boundary stones with willow branches.
The next ceremony is scheduled for May 6th, 2024. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness this unique tradition!
A Royal Salute: Celebrating Special Occasions
The Tower of London is one of the few places where a gun salute marks special occasions. Events such as the birthday of King Charles and Accession Day are celebrated with a 62-gun salute fired from the Tower Wharf.
You can witness the cannons positioned along the wharf and enjoy the thunderous spectacle of the salute at 1 PM. Whether you’re standing on the wharf or at Buckingham Palace, you’ll hear the resounding boom of the ceremony. This impressive display takes about 10 minutes to complete, with 62 rounds fired in succession.
Experience the Tower of London: A World of History and Tradition
The Tower of London captivates visitors with its rich history and intricate ceremonies. Its grandeur and mystique are further enhanced by these timeless traditions. Our Private Tour of the Tower of London offers an immersive experience, guided by expert tour leaders who will ensure you make the most of your visit and witness any ceremonies happening during the day.
We invite you to delve into the depths of this medieval fortress and discover a world where history unfolds before your eyes.
Further articles to help plan your visit
Everything you need to know about the Tower of London
What to see at the Tower of London
