brophy

I read one person's account of this in which the invited guests were allowed into the Yeoman Warders Club and they could actually have a drink there. While I think the Ceremony itself would be fairly silly, this opportunity to visit the Tower after hours AND especially the club would be very interesting. Does anyone know what tickets to the Ceremony include?
Thanks!

Merilee_Tucker

Brophy,I went to the Ceremony of the Keys the last time I was in London a couple of years ago and I thought it was great. I especially enjoyed being there at night. I do know you have to put your ticket request in writing months before your trip and give an alternate date. You also have to list the names of the people in your party and their relationship to you. You also have to enclose a stamped envelope (I forgot the name of the stamp you get at the post office). I don't know anything about the other.

JuneAnn

I agree, it was great fun being at the Tower after hours with very few people. Make plans in advance and enjoy. I don't recall the tickets including anything but admission.
June

adrienne

The Ceremony of the Keys is anything but silly. It's experiencing a part of a 700 year history and a very moving event.

Yes, it would be great to also be invited into the Yeoman Warders' Club and have a drink with them but, for me, watching while the YWs closed up the tower for the night, knowing that this happens every night no matter what is going on in London and the world was thrilling. This is not an event that's put on for the tourists.

You need to send an international reply coupon along with exact information about everyone in your party (names, ages, hotel in London, home address, etc.) - check the web for more details.

janis

The way to get an invitation into the club is to make friends with one of the Yeoman Warders and get him or his wife to invite you. They are all retired NCOs and live within the walls of the Tower.

Yeoman Warders often have parties and friends who are allowed to join ticket holders for the ceremony - but not the other way round.

BTW - the ceremony is definitely not silly and if you feel it would be, it probably isn't something you would enjoy.

isabel

Your choice of the word silly to describe the Ceremony of the Keys is unfortunate. You are going to piss off a lot of people with that remark. The Ceremony is NOT a tourist attraction. It has been performed every night for over 700 years regardless of if any one is there to watch or not.

I was there in March and we were practically the only ones there. There was one other group of 3 people, who were friends of one of the yeoman warders and were going to visit him after the ceremony. Eventually a small tour group of about 15 people joined us but when it was over and our guide was escorting us out (just me and my daughter as the tour group left by a different entrance and the group of three went to their friend's apartment) he told us that they have indeed held the ceremony with no spectators.

janis

Isabel - I'm glad you said it

I was going to but bit my tongue . . . .

Degas

I appreciate and value history and tradition - the Ceremony of the Keys is one of the few events/places where I would easily refrain from wearing my usual white tennis shoes.

Lori

I also think silly was a poor choice of words. Go and enjoy the historical aspect of the event. When we went we had a large number of people, at least 35 I'd say, and except for a few jerks who didn't have enough brains to keep their mouths shut, everyone seemed to really enjoy the experience. It's really awesome being in the Tower at night. Tickets are just for the Ceremony which lasts only about 15-20 min. I'd say.

Orcas

brophy,
We visited the tower during the day and went to the Ceremony of the Keys. The Ceremony is a great experience, but one learns more about the history during the daylight hours when more of the Tower is open. I am glad we made the time to do both.

brophy

Sorry, I didn't word that correctly. I'm an English history major because I love all that pomp and ceremony of history. The part of the dialogue in the ceremony that strikes me as maybe amusing, rather than silly, is the bit about Queen Elizabeth. Monarchy has always been an unfortunate institution but luckily the Queen and her relatives today are merely figureheads (if undeservedly wealthy ones). I'm sure the Ceremony is very interesting anyway and it would be nice to see the Tower after dark for a change.

Lovejoy

Follow the link for all the information you wiil need to attend The Ceremony of the Keys.
http://www.londontown.com/London/Ceremony_of_the_Keys/

Tangata

Well brophy, you certainly do have a way with words! I imagine that you have just pissed off quite a few more people, bearing in mind that the British Monarchy extends to a number of other countries including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Plus of course the many other Monarchies around the world.

I fail to see how anyone can love the ?pomp and ceremony of history? and consider that the ?Monarchy has always been an unfortunate institution?.

janis

That "amusing" bit of the ceremony has been said in honor of every monarch since it was begun hundreds of years ago. Some Brits even share your opinion - but the current Royal Family has nothing to do with the wording of the Ceremony of the Keys. Perhaps you would be happier joining a flamer at Speakers corner than attending a solemn ceremony inside a still active post of Her Majesty's Armed Forces . . . .

brophy

Sorry, Tangata, did I miss something? Do you think that people in Canada, New Zealand, or Australia (not to mention Britain), or anyone in the twentieth century, for that matter, thinks People Being Ruled By People Just Because They Were Born into a "Royal" Family is a Good Idea? Of COURSE monarchies are an unfortunate institution. I can love history without believing that beheading is still a great idea. JEESH.

ncgrrl

When I did this, I sent off my letter and International reply coupon to the address and had a response within 10 days -- I found that fast for a foreign response.

At the event were the people (all Americans by the way) who had sent off for the tickets, one couple who were friends with a Warder, and a goup of about 50 drunks.

The drunks were part of a private party according to our host (Warder) paid an astounding amount of money to have a private party beforehand and then see the ceremony. They were all British and not giving the ceremony the proper respect it deserved. I don't think our host like having the group either. He said they have them 2-3 times a week.

The host was wonderful and he made sure the kids (I's say in the 6-10 age range) at the event were involved and had 'special tasks,' so they wouldn't think it silly. To continously do something for over 800 years is tradition.

Gothampc

ncgrrl, the second time I witnessed Ceremony of the Keys I had the same experience. The few of us who had sent in requests were quiet and observant. Then there were about 50 people that were in a party that talked through the whole ceremony.