The Constable and the community

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The Constable and the community



With the installation of General Sir Richard Dannatt as the 159th Constable of the Tower of London, it was the perfect opportunity to get the local community to discover this ancient Tower Office.
The Queen's House in black and white

A variety of projects

On 7 October 2009, General Sir Richard Dannatt was formally installed as the Constable of the Tower of London, outside the Queen's House (see picture) on Tower Green, in the heart of Her Majesty's Palace and Fortress. People of all ages in the local community have been involved with different projects inspired by this event and the history of the Constable's role.

A storyteller told tales of famous Constables through rhyme, song, actions and more in fun sessions for young children, which took place in libraries in Tower Hamlets, and also at the Tower of London itself. This gave children the opportunity to discover what the Constable's role is and why he holds the keys to the Tower of London o behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.

People of all ages took part in the 'Key Stories' installation, on display at the Tower of London throughout October 2009. People brought a key that meant something to them - perhaps their first home key, they key to an old car or such like - or made a key, and then wrote short notes about what that key meant to them. Some of the stories are funny, some are moving, and some quirky, but all are very personal. The display in the Salt Tower is beautiful, fun and intimate.

Working with 'Headliners', young budding journalists interviewed key participants in the Constable's Installation including soldiers and the new Constable himself. Their interviews and reports will go on YouTube, as well as being distributed to mainstream media outlets.

Many people from the local community attended the Constable's Installation on 7 October 2009. It was a night to remember as they watched the historic ceremony take place on Tower Green.

Intergenerational workshops about the Constable's regalia (especially his golden keys) will be taking place in the Autumn and Winter months too.

Who is the Constable?

The Constable is the most senior appointment in the Tower of London. General Sir Richard Dannatt is the current Constable, taking up the appointment on 1 August 2009 and being formally installed in a grand ceremony on 7 October 2009.

The first Constable was appointed by William the Conqueror, the king who ordered the buiding of the mighty White Tower. Today, in addition to presiding over ceremonies such as the Constable's Dues, he is a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces and the Royal Armouries, as well as being required to be present when a member of the Royal Family or a Cabinet Minister visits the Tower of London.

Click here to find out about the Constable and his role > 

Watch the Constable's Installation ceremony >

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