On Saturday 15 December at 12:15pm, visitors to the Tower of London will be able to witness the unique tradition as the captain and crew of HMS Westminster moor at Tower Wharf and march through the Tower of London delivering a barrel of rum to the Constable of the Tower, as ancient rights dictate, in the colourful Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues.
Traditionally every ship that came upstream to the City had to unload a portion of its cargo for the Constable and thus enjoy the protection of the Tower of London guns. Today, the tradition of the Ceremony of the Constables Dues is still upheld annually when the captain of a Royal Navy ship entering the Pool of London delivers a barrel of rum to the Constable.
Firstly the captain and his crew are challenged for entry to the Tower by the Yeoman Gaoler, the second-in-command of the Body of Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters). The captain and his naval ratings then march through the Tower of London, accompanied by Yeoman Warders in State Dress and a Corps of Drums, to Tower Green, where the Constable is presented with the barrel of rum. Afterwards, the participants retire to Queen’s House on Tower Green, the oldest surviving timber building in the City, to sample the contents.
Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see this unique event at the Tower of London.
