Tuesday, April 03, 2007

The Ceremony of the Dues



One of the more obscure but fun ceremonies, which has only been going on for the last 750 years, is the Ceremony of the Dues. The captain of every navy vessel entering the Pool of London takes a barrel of rum across to the man in charge of the Tower of London, all done with pomp and ceremony. Happens about once a year.

HMS Northumberland was accompanying the Zong, so the ceremony took place Staurday at 12 noon. Unfortunately I couldn't wait around to see it, so pictures of the preparation outside the Tower of London are all I have.

posted by Ham at 00:17 -- Comments here: 3

Comments on "The Ceremony of the Dues"

 

Blogger Cheltenhamdailyphoto said ... (11:41) : 

You lucky person, Ham, being so close to all of this. Were you pointing a gun at them? They don't look too enamoured themselves... lol.

 

Blogger Olive said ... (13:59) : 

that is one strange looking cannon in the back!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (21:45) : 

I just love this picture. Is that a castle in the back ground or just a wall?

 

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Name: Ham Location: London, United Kingdom View my complete profile