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 TBCWhere
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.
Ticketing information
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.
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