Tower of London Ceremony of the Keys

A little known event, known as the Ceremony of the Keys happens every day at the Tower of London, come rain or shine, in peace time or periods of war...

The Ceremony of the Keys is the traditional locking up of the Tower of London and has taken place on each and every night, without fail, for at least 700 years. The importance of securing this fortress for the night is still very relevant because, although the Monarch no longer resides at this royal palace, the Crown Jewels and many other valuables still do!



Thus, on one evening earlier this summer, the Budman and I, along with about 100 other Londoners (yes, I can myself as one of them now) walked alongside our Beefeater Yeoman Warder and observed the pomp and ceremony of this nightly ritual, including the same questions asked for centuries...



Guard 1: "Who goes there"?

Guard 2: "The keys."

Guard 1: "Whose keys?"

Guard 2: "The Queen's Keys."

etc....

If you ever get a chance to attend, the ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and is quite iinteresting.