The New Constable

Earlier this month I was in an audience of privileged guests to witness the Installation of the New Constable of the Tower of London. Courtesy of my role several years ago now, as Head of Marketing for Historic Royal Palaces, I watched as General Sir Gordon Messenger became the 161st Constable of this ancient fortress and palace. The office of Constable is one of the oldest in England, dating back to William the Conqueror and the Constable has been chosen by the monarch since the 12th century. Largely ceremonial these days, the Constable none the less, is responsible for the upkeep and security of the Tower and for those who live and work there. The evening’s ceremony included the Lord Chamberlain delivering the gold Master-keys of the Tower to the Constable and the Chief Yeoman Warder later ‘perambulating’ the Keys around the Broadwalk for all to see. The military pageantry of this ancient ceremony was marvellous.  I was particularly amused to read that in return for his service, the Constable is given the right to seize any swan that swims under London Bridge and any horse, ox, cow, pig or sheep that falls into the Thames from the Bridge – could be a handy benefit as we all face a winter of austerity!