Chambers's journal of popular literature, science, and art, fifth series, No. 116, Vol. III, March 20, 1886

Chambers's journal of popular literature, science, and art, fifth series, No. 116, Vol. III, March 20, 1886

The time-honoured ceremony that is still observed when the gates of Her Majestys Tower of London are locked-up is probably not unfamiliar to the public. What actually occurs, however, can be witnessed by a very limited number of persons who are not resident within the Tower; for a nights immurement in that celebrated feudal strength is essential in order that the proceedings of the escort for the Keys may be satisfactorily seen and heard, the verbal portion of the formalities being by no means the least important. But the present writer having frequently been called upon to accompany the Queens Keys in their nightly perambulations, has enjoyed opportunities, not open to all, for viewing the curious ceremony of locking-up from the best possible vantage-ground. A brief sketch of the somewhat unique details connected with it may perhaps prove interesting to the uninitiated reader. When not engaged in making their midnight or early-morning progresses, the Queens Keys are deposited in the residence of the Deputy Constable of the fortress. Not very remarkable from an architectural point of view, this house stands almost in the shadow of the weather-beaten walls of the White Towerthe famous Norman keep that can boast of eight centuries authentic history, and around which as a nucleus the various other buildings now collectively known as the Tower have from time to time been erected. And the dwelling-place of the Keys overlooks the spotnow inclosed by a railingwhere so many political offences, real or imputed, have been expiated on the block. The Keys, when brought forth, are invariably carried by a warder, who is a member of the corps of Yeomen of the Guard, or Beefeaters as they are familiarly called. It may quite fairly be said that the antiquated, but picturesque, costume of these men constitutes one of the sights of the Tower; though in recent times the garments have been to a considerable extent shorn of their medieval characteristics. Besides the onerous duty of carrying the Queens Keys, the Beefeaters are in other ways employed within the precincts of the Tower; among other things, they exerciseor at least they used to exercisea sort of supervision over the visitors who flock into it on open days. Beyond its gates they take part in certain state ceremonials; and, as is well known, assist in the periodical searching of the vaults underneath the Houses of Parliament, thus materially helping to keep alive the remembrance of Guy Fawkes and the celebrated treason and plot in which he was so deeply implicated. That neither the supervision nor the search is wholly unnecessary, has been sufficiently well demonstrated by events of recent occurrence. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 68078
Author: Various
Release Date: May 14, 2022
Format: eBook
Language: English
Publisher: William and Robert Chambers
Publication Date: 1853
Publisher Country: United Kingdom