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If you love a bit of London history this
is definitely a hack for you as it feels as though you are stepping back in
time. This has been my favourite London experience so far –The Ceremony of the
Keys at the Tower of London.
This ceremony happens every night at 21.53 without fail and has done so for the last 760 years (Whoa!) with the only exception being in 1941 when the tower was bombed and consequently the ceremony took place 6 minutes late. Although the monarch no longer resides at the Tower of London, the crown jewels do and they need to be securely locked up from dusk till dawn.
At 21.53 the Chief Yeoman Warder emerges from the Byward Tower wearing his long red coat and Tudor bonnet, with a candle lantern in one hand and the Queen’s keys in the other. He then meets his military escort and together they lock the main gates of the Tower. It’s surreal to watch.
Tickets are free but there can be a wait time of several months. I assure you though, it is honestly worth the effort. When you apply make sure you list at least three dates you would like to attend as often they are booked up quite far in advance. I went in November and I’d recommend applying for a date when it will be dark by 9.30pm as the wintery feel contributed to the thrilling experience.
Follow this link for information on how to apply: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys
This ceremony happens every night at 21.53 without fail and has done so for the last 760 years (Whoa!) with the only exception being in 1941 when the tower was bombed and consequently the ceremony took place 6 minutes late. Although the monarch no longer resides at the Tower of London, the crown jewels do and they need to be securely locked up from dusk till dawn.
At 21.53 the Chief Yeoman Warder emerges from the Byward Tower wearing his long red coat and Tudor bonnet, with a candle lantern in one hand and the Queen’s keys in the other. He then meets his military escort and together they lock the main gates of the Tower. It’s surreal to watch.
Tickets are free but there can be a wait time of several months. I assure you though, it is honestly worth the effort. When you apply make sure you list at least three dates you would like to attend as often they are booked up quite far in advance. I went in November and I’d recommend applying for a date when it will be dark by 9.30pm as the wintery feel contributed to the thrilling experience.
Follow this link for information on how to apply: http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/theceremonyofthekeys
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