As guests of the Lady Mayoress and Lord Mayor of the City of London, this November we have the privilege of attending the Silent Ceremony, a solemn and symbolic ritual that marks the installation of the new Lord Mayor.
The City of London’s recording of the ceremony is shown below. You can see Tim Ashton to the Lord Mayor’s right, next to the lady in the blue jacket.
The Silent Ceremony takes place at the Guild Hall, the official residence of the Lord Mayor. The proceedings are conducted in a hushed and reverent atmosphere, with participants dressed in formal attire.
The highlight of the Silent Ceremony is the swearing-in of the new Lord Mayor. The oath is administered by the Recorder of London, the City’s chief legal officer. As the Lord Mayor takes the oath, the City’s mace is placed in his hands, symbolizing his authority and responsibility.
Following the swearing-in, the Lord Mayor is presented with the City’s Collar of Essar, a magnificent piece of jewelry adorned with precious stones and heraldic devices. The Collar of Essar is a symbol of the Lord Mayor’s office and is worn on special occasions.
Waiting for the ceremony to begin
The Silent Ceremony is a poignant reminder of the long and rich history of the City of London. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a significant event in the life of the City.
It is interesting to note that Sir Rowland Hill, a former Lord Mayor of London, also went through the Silent Ceremony in 1549. Hill was a prominent figure in the City of London during the 16th century and played a key role in its development.
Attending the Silent Ceremony is a humbling and thought-provoking experience. A privilege to witness this ancient tradition and to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the City of London.
Guild Hall, City of London: the venue (Creative Commons)
