This historic Ceremony of the Constable's Dues takes place at the Tower of London. In 2024 it was presented by the Royal Marines, marking the start of their 360th anniversary celebrations.
The ‘Dues’ are one of several perks that the Constable of the Tower traditionally enjoyed. Every ship that came upstream to the City had to moor at Tower Wharf to unload a portion of its cargo for the Constable.
During the middle ages successive kings believed it was their right to get tolls from vessels on the Thames. The Constable of the Tower of London was allowed to demand these tolls on the king's behalf. In 1381 King Richard issued a grant that required every galley passing the Tower to present 'two roundlets of wyne' to the Constable.
Still today, whenever a Royal Naval vessel moors on the Wharf, the Captain must present the Constable with a barrel of wine (the ‘Dues’). This is ceremoniously escorted into the Tower by the Yeoman Warders and presented to the Constable on Tower Green.
Other tariff once extracted from Londoners included any horse, oxen, pigs or sheep that fell off London Bridge!
The Constable's Dues has never become just a symbolic ceremony. Once delivered to the King's House the barrel is opened and the wine enjoyed!
When
Date TBC
Ticketing information
The Constable's Dues will begin at 12.00 with the Ship’s Company arriving at the main entrance to the Tower of London. The parade will finish at Tower Green.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before the Ceremony starts.
Included in palace admission (members go free)
Buy Tower of London ticketsThe Royal Marines at the Constable's Dues
This is the second time that the Ceremony of the Constable's Dues has been performed by the Royal Marines Commandos.
The Royal Marines have a special connection to the Tower of London, as General Sir Gordon Messenger was the first ever Royal Marine to become the constable of the Tower at his installation in 2022.
The Constable served for 36 years, and was the first Royal Marine to be promoted to 4* for 45 years, ascending to the role of Vice Chief of Defence Staff before retiring in 2019.
Explore What's on
- Tours and talks
Ceremony of the Keys
Be part of this ancient tradition, which has taken place every night for at least 700 years in the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.
- Daily
- From 21:30-22:05
- Tower of London
- Separate ticket (advance booking required)
- Things to see
Guards at the Tower of London
Marvel at the guards protecting the Crown Jewels. See the sentries posted outside the Jewel House and The King's House.
- Open
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
- Things to see
- Tours and talks
Yeoman Warder tours
Discover captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture with our Yeoman Warder tours at the Tower of London.
- Available
- Tower of London
- Included in palace admission (members go free)
Browse more History and stories
The Tower at war
The Tower of London played an important role in the First and Second World Wars
Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London
The ‘Beefeaters’ have been guarding the Tower since Tudor times
The Ceremony of the Keys
Centuries-old traditions of the Tower of London including the Ceremony of the Keys and Beating the Bounds.
Shop online
Shop Tower of London gifts
Shop our products inspired by the almost 1000 years of history at the Tower of London.
From £2.50
Shop Beefeater Gift Collection
Our collection of Yeoman Warder gifts includes beautiful homewares, Christmas tree decorations and gifts for children.
From £4.99
Shop crown jewels gifts
The Crown Jewels reside at the Tower of London and are worn by British kings and queens on their coronations and royal occasions. Our magnificent Crown Jewels collection make the perfect souvenir.
From £2.50