The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and Provinces Overseas

Province of Kent
The Ceremony Of The Keys

At the Tower of London the Provincial Prior, Sub Prior, Vice-Chancellor and Registrar attended the Ceremony of the Keys on Thursday 7th of August 2025. They were invited by the Honorable Artillery Company and the Turners Livery Company.

The Tower Of London

The Four Knights from Kent mustered at the Traitors Gate pub in Trinity Square next to the famous of Light house keepers head Quarters, Trinity House. We all gathered before the main Gatehouse of the Tower of London sadly is closed for maintenance.

We were lead by one of the resident Yeoman down the riverside of the Castle to the Traitors Gate where we were introduced to the first of many Ceramic Poppy displays to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. We were treated to many interesting stories about the various bloody murders that took place in the next destination the Bloody Tower. After a visit to the area where some of the many Queens of King Henry the Vlll were executed we passed the Crown Jewels house and saw the famous White Tower which was the original inner keep and home to the Kings of England.

Next to the home of the Royal Fusiliers and a very ornate 6 ton bronze Canon commissioned by the Order of St. John in Malta probably made in Holland around 1600. A quick visit to see the famous Ravens of the Tower we took refreshments in the residents own public bar called the Keys. Once briefed at 9:45pm we waited in Water Lane for the Chief Yeoman of the Guard escorted by armed Irish Guards soldiers to lock up the Tower for the Night.

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