The iconic Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders and the infamous ravens. But few people know that every night after dark, one of the world’s most ancient rituals takes place here. The Ceremony of the Keys dates back seven centuries and is one of the most spine-tingling events you can witness in the capital.
What is the Ceremony of the Keys?
Unchanged for centuries, the Ceremony of the Keys is the official locking up of the Tower of London. The ceremony dates back to 1340, following the orders of King Edward III who was horrified to find that he was able to walk into the Tower unchallenged. In response, Queen Mary set out detailed instructions for securing the keys at night and the ceremony’s been performed every night since.
What time is the Ceremony of the Keys in London?
The Ceremony of the Keys takes place every night at 9.53 precisely. Groups enter the Tower at 9.30pm and the ceremony concludes at 10.05pm. This tradition has reputedly only been interrupted once when a bomb fell on the Tower on the 29 December 1940. Despite being blown off his feet, it’s claimed the Chief Yeoman Warder continued with the ceremony – only slightly later than planned.
Who are the Yeoman Warders?
The Yeoman Warders or “Beefeaters” have been at the Tower for as long as the Ravens. They were originally part of the Yeoman of the Guard – the Monarch’s personal bodyguard. Today’s Yeomen are honoured ex-soldiers who must have a minimum of twenty-two years’ military experience under their belt to live and work at the Tower. The Beefeaters help to bring to life the history of the Tower for its many visitors and also perform ceremonial duties.
What happens at the Ceremony of the Keys?
The actual ceremony lasts around ten minutes. Firstly, The Chief Yeoman Warder strides out of the Byward Tower brandishing a lantern and the King’s Keys. Here he’s joined by the King’s Guard soldiers who faithfully escort him during the ceremony. He locks the Tower’s outer gate followed by the oak gates between the Middle Tower and the Byward Tower. Finally satisfied, he marches to the Archway of the Bloody Tower. And it’s here that the formalities take on a theatrical twist.
“Halt, who comes there?” barks an armed sentry pointing his gun at the Chief Warder. The Chief Warder calmly replies: “The Keys.” The Sentry further questions: “whose keys?” “King Charles’s keys” replies the Warder. “Pass then, all’s well.”
And with this brief exchange, the tension breaks and a wave of relief sweeps over the audience. The Chief Warder raises his hat before calling out: “God save King Charles,” to which the Guard and the assembled Yeoman warders all respond “Amen.” As ten o’clock strikes, the haunting cry of the Last Post fills the air as the Warder marches over to lodge the keys in the King’s House for the night.
How to book tickets
The Tower of London is looked after by Historic Royal Palaces. Tickets must be pre-booked in advance online. Tickets are released on a rolling monthly basis at 4.00pm on the first working day of the month. Due to popular demand, it’s advisable to book at least six weeks in advance. Group sizes are purposefully small and multiple bookings are not accepted.
What to wear to the Ceremony of the Keys?
There’s no official dress code but bear in mind that even in summer, London evenings can be chilly. You’ll also be hanging around for twenty minutes before the ceremony starts. Dressing for warmth and comfort are definitely the main priorities.
Other considerations
You need to bring a valid form of ID on the night to gain access. Please also bear in mind that the event takes place after visiting hours so no toilets / refreshments are available. It’s also forbidden to take any photos during the ceremony.
Is the Ceremony of the Keys worth it?
As one of the world’s most ancient rituals, the Ceremony of the Keys is a spectacle not to be missed. Having lived in London for more than twenty years, I had no idea this took place until I heard about it at work. Gaining access to the Tower after hours and being part of a 700-year-old tradition is a truly surreal experience and one that’s guaranteed to stay etched in my memory for many years to come.