While London is full of history, there are few opportunities for visitors to be part of a centuries-old tradition in a very up-close-and-personal way, while also getting a very direct feel of the history of the place. One of those opportunities comes when attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.
The Ceremony of the Keys has been conducted each and every night for the past 700 years. While the Queen no longer lives in the Tower of London, the Crown Jewels and other valuable artifacts are still there, and the Tower, which continues to serve as a fortress, must be securely locked each night by the famed Beefeaters, who act in concert with the military guards, the same ones who can be seen wearing large “Bearskin” hats during the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. (To learn more about Beefeaters go to http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/Beefeaters.htm).
The admission to the Ceremony of the Keys is free and offers an amazing opportunity for visitors to London, however, it remains somewhat unknown for two reasons. First, reservations must be obtained in writing well in advance of attending. Second, only a small number of people are allowed for each ceremony.
To make a reservation please go to http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/WhatsOn/ceremonyofthekeys and follow instructions in Requests for Tickets to the Ceremony of the Keys.
You will require two coupon-response international (stamps). Last year I bought them in the Post office, and each cost $2.20.
To attend the ceremony in May, I requested the reservation in February.
Within two weeks I received a letter from the Tower of London Office with tickets.
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