Each year, in a ceremony as rich in pomp as it is ancient in history, and in total silence, the new Lord Mayor is sworn into office.
For over 800 years, on Michaelmas Day, the city’s liverymen elect a new Lord Mayor for the year ahead, and a few weeks later the Silent Ceremony takes place.
It’s not absolutely silent, as apart from the occasional muffled cough, or ringing of a mobile phone, the incoming Lord Mayor reads out a vow before signing the book to confirm his (or occasionally, her) office, and to take responsibility for the Mansion House.
There are also a lot of doffing of tricorne hats, bows and presentations. All in silence.
It’s a great piece of theatre, albeit one that it a bit difficult to see if you are at the back of the hall, but at least you can see the processions.
If you want to apply to attend, and there is a bit of a pro-rata allocation of tickets, then click here.
