So begins the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, a 700-year-old ceremony that was attended by over 40 Lightmongers and their guests on the evening of Thursday 11th July along with a private tour of the Tower and a visit to the Yeomans’ Keys Club.

Lightmonger members and guests listening to Warder Yeoman, David Coleman.

We were fortunate to have Warden Yeoman, David Coleman as our guide. The stories of the various buildings and the famous historical figures who lived and died in them were brought to life by David in his booming voice accompanied by a wide range of humorous anecdotes. He took particular pleasure in recounting stories of some of the more gruesome beheadings!!!

Warden Yeomen David Coleman explaining role of Traitors Gate at the Tower of London.

One could not fail to feel moved when visiting the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula which houses the remains of so many famous names from our history including Anne Boleyn.

Chapel Royal of St Peter and Vincula. Master Peter McVeigh and Senior Warden Tony Ginman in the front row.

We were delighted to catch sight of some of the Tower’s long-lived ravens on our tour and privileged to be able to finish our evening at the Keys Club where the rule is ‘jackets off’.

Lightmongers finishing off their tour in the Keys Club.

Thank you to Past Master John Rowsell for organising the trip with the help of Graham Smith MIET MInstCS, Chairman of the Marketing and Events Committee.

It is an experience we will never forget.