Besides the sun setting, there can't be many things that have happened every night, without fail, for the last 700 years, which is what makes the
Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London really rather special.
This ceremony, one of London's longest-running traditions, is open to the public, but places are few and there is usually a waiting list of at least a month. The grounds of the Tower are crowded year-round, but for this you'll be in a small group, the only visitors in the whole place.
The nightly practice involves the formal locking up of the Tower of London and comprises a number of key moments:
The Chief Yeoman Warder, carrying the Queen's Keys, meets his armed escort and marches to the gates of the Tower.
The gates of the Tower are locked.
As the Chief Yeoman Warder and his armed escort make their way to the Broadwalk Steps, a challenge is issued by a waiting sentry.
After a brief verbal exchange between the Chief Yeoman Warder and the sentry, the Warder and his armed escort pass the sentry and assemble on the Broadwalk Steps.
The Saluting of the Queen's Keys takes place.
The Last Post is sounded.
The keys are taken to the Queen's House.
With the Tower of London's historic setting and the participants in their traditional attire, you really get a taste of
ye olde London and feel like you've stepped back in time.
Attendees are met and taken into the grounds of the Tower at 9.30pm on the dot. The ceremony begins at precisely 9.53pm and is over by 10.05pm.
Short and sweet it may be, but being part of a small group (just 6 from April to October, and 15 from November to March) bearing witness to such a proud tradition makes it feel like something very special.
Applications must be made in writing - full information about how to apply can be found
here.
