>Another rare ceremony being performed in the UK. Changing of the guard? Roths deposed from City of London?
The ceremony owes its origins to centuries ago, when ships visiting London would have to pay a payment to the Constable of the Tower of London. What was once a hated tax on mariners is now an exciting ceremony performed very occasionally, usually when a naval vessel is visiting London. It’s a nice treat for the visiting sailors and a pretty special treat if you happen to be visiting the Tower on the day.
Every ship that came upstream to the City had to moor at Tower Wharf to unload a portion of its cargo for the Constable and thus enjoy the protection of the Tower of London guns.
What was once a very serious issue of paying for a service is today a quaint ceremony, and one that is carried out about once a year within the Tower. Due to the Navy tending not to publicise their visits to London more than a few days in advance, knowing that the Ceremony is due to take place is often a case of good luck.
Due to the fact that few ships come right up to London it doesn't happen as often as it used to.