About Ceremony of the Keys

The Ceremony of the Keys; is one of those highly significant yet private events in London! It certainly is, as this involves the traditional locking up of the Tower of London, where many Royal Valuables are kept. It is said that, this event has been carried on by generations for the last 700 years every night without fail, in the exact same way as seen today!    

Every night, sharp at 9.53, the Chief Yeoman Warder (CYW) colourfully dressed in a red long coat and Tudor hat, comes to the Water Lane through the Byward Tower. The CYW carries the Queen's Key's in one hand and a candle lantern in the other. Walking down the lane, he meets the Military Guard escort awaiting him at the Traitor's Gate.  Together, they lock the gates of the Tower. On retracing their steps, the Sentry at the Bloody Tower Archway halts them and questions. Upon proper response with the exact dialogue that has been said for the last 700 years, everyone proceeds to the bottom of the Broadwalk Steps for the last drill. With the command of their officer in charge, the Guard present their arms. Next the CYW steps forward and raise his hat wishing well for the Queen. The rest answers “Amen” exactly at the strike of 10 and the duty drummer bugles the Last Post. The CYW then takes back the Keys to the Queen's House and the Guards are dismissed.

The tickets are issued free, but due to great demand, the visitors must post an official request to the Tower of London with details of visitors and two possible dates three months ahead. A maximum of 6 people are allowed in 1st April-31st October and 15 in 1st November-31st March.  

Please be there before 9.30 pm with your original ticket at the Tower, to witness a most fascinating tradition of the Royals in London!

Location

Nearest Tube : Tower Hill