
The Ceremony of Quit Rents is a unique and historic event that takes place annually in London. It’s one of the oldest legal ceremonies in England, dating back to 1211.
What is a Quit Rent?
A quit rent is a nominal rent paid to a landlord in lieu of other services or obligations. In this case, the City of London pays a symbolic rent to the Crown for two pieces of land in Shropshire.
The Ceremony
The ceremony is presided over by the Queen’s Remembrancer.
The City Sheriffs, dressed in traditional robes, present the Crown with a symbolic payment of two knives, 61 nails, and 6 giant horseshoes. These items represent the original rent that was once paid in kind.
Despite the passage of centuries, the ceremony continues as a symbol of the City of London’s historical relationship with the Crown. It’s a fascinating glimpse into England’s past and a testament to the enduring nature of ancient traditions.
The Ashton family will be participating as heirs of Sir Rowland Hill at Soulton.