This historic Ceremony of the Constable's Dues takes place at the Tower of London.
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.
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 Queen's House the barrel is opened and the wine enjoyed!
When
To be confirmed
12.00-12.20Ticketing 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.
Included in palace admission (members go free)
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