Constable of the Tower

The constable of the Tower (English Constable of the Tower ) is the highest officer of the Tower of London and representatives of the English monarchy in the Tower.

Originally the post of constable one of the most influential items of the English army. The constable was responsible for the management of the Tower and the Tower division, the greater part of present-day East London included. Since the late Middle Ages, the constable is a representative item, while the actual management of the Lieutenant of the Tower was responsible. After the Lieutenant also a ceremonial post was the actual on-site management of the tower from the Resident Governor of the Tower is perceived.

After the Queen's Regulations for the Army, the Office will transmit five years since 1932, a Field Marshal or the retired General.

Introduction of the constable

Since 1932, the constable of the Tower shall be appointed for five years. At the induction ceremony, several military units put on three sides around the Tower Green around. The units are chosen by the constable. Normally it involves units in which served the constable and to the Honourable Artillery Company, which is responsible for the gun salute from the tower. The Yeomen Warders form a semicircle in front of the troops. To the north is a military band. The new constable comes from the Queen's House, where he enters the Tower Green, accompanied by selected officers. There he meets the Lord Chamberlain of the Household, handing the keys to the Tower the constable. Following the constable inspected the troops and the fortress. The oldest mentions a similar ceremony can be found in 1712, since when the exact sequence of the ceremony is like today, is unknown.

List of constables since 1660

The first Constable of the Tower was Geoffrey de Mandeville was used in the 11th century by William the Conqueror. The number of office holders is estimated at 158 so far.

On August 1, 2009, General Richard Dannatt has taken over the office of General Roger Wheeler.

Comments

  • Official designation
  • Constable
  • Tower of London
Geoffrey de Mandeville (11th century) Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington John Fox Burgoyne George Pollock William Maynard Gomm Sir William Williams, 1st Baronet, of Kars Paul Methuen, 3rd Baron Methuen Philip Chetwode, 1st Baron Chetwode Harold Alexander, 1st Earl Alexander of Tunis Peter Inge, Baron Inge
200790
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