Royal Marine Commandos powered up the River Thames today celebrating their 360th anniversary to participate in the ancient Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues.
Traditionally, all ships going upstream in London had to hand over part of their cargo to the Constable of the Tower of London for the protection provided by the castle’s cannon.
Each year the Royal Navy drop a barrel of port to the Tower of London to maintain the ancient tradition.
The Constable of the Tower would take a portion of any cargo unloaded at Tower Wharf.
Anytime a Royal Navy vessel moors at Tower Wharf they have to deliver a barrel of port which is then drank.
Here are a group of Royal Marine Commandos heading upstream along the River Thames to the Tower of London
The elite unit were carrying a barrel of port which was being delivered as part of a traditional ceremony, the Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues
The Royal Marines carried a barrel of port on an oar over the cobbled streets from the River Thames to the Tower of London
The Royal Marines were escorted into the ancient fortress by Yeoman Warders in a ceremony that dates back centuries
The Marines are challenged by a warder carrying a large axe to explain their purpose in front of curious bystanders
Traditionally, any horse, ox, pig or sheep which fell off London Bridge could be also claimed by the Constable of the Tower.
When the barrel is unloaded, it is escorted into the Tower by the Yeoman Warders.
According to Historic Royal Palaces: ‘In the Middle Ages, the Constable received fees from state prisoners at the Tower and was entitled to all flotsam and jetsam on the Thames. They could keep all livestock that fell from Tower Bridge into the river and owned any passing swans.
‘The most significant perk was the toll collected from ships passing up the Thames into London.
‘Every ship that came upstream to the City had to moor at Tower Wharf to unload a portion of its cargo for the Constable.
‘Such bounty might have included oysters, mussels, cockles or rushes (as much as could be held within their arms), as well as kegs of rum or wine. Still today, whenever a Royal Naval vessel moors on the Wharf, the Captain must present the Constable with a barrel of alcohol.
‘The ancient ritual begins with the Ship’s Company arriving on foot at the Tower to be challenged by an axe-wielding Yeoman Guard; the gate is shut in the face of the captain. The naval officer explains their purpose and the party are welcomed in.’
The HRP spokesperson added: ‘In 1381, King Richard II set out in detail what he believed to be a fair list of tolls, one of which was that every galley passing the Tower should present “two roundlets of wyne” to the Constable. This toll continued into the 17th century, when the high volume of traffic on the Thames meant that it was no longer feasible for the Constable to collect it. Today’s ceremony – which last took place in 2021 – is a tradition derived from those days of tolls and the Constable’s role as the Sovereign’s representative.’
The Royal Marines are performing the ceremony this year as they celebrate their 360th anniversary
The barrel was accompanied into the Tower of London by the Band of the Royal Marines, pictured right
According to Historic England, the barrel of alcohol is genuine and is tested at the end of the traditional ceremony
The Royal Navy said three raiding craft made the short journey from HMS President, under Tower Bridge to the Tower of London for the Constable of the Tower – retired senior Royal Marine – General Sir Gordon Messenger.
The ceremony is a tradition that dates back to the 14th Century when naval ships passing into London were ordered to pay a levy.
A navy spokesperson said: ‘Normally Royal Navy sailors carry out this task, but given the significance of their 360th year, Royal Marines were given the honour to mark their illustrious history and also their place at the very forefront of UK Defence.
‘It is the second time the Royal Marines have conducted this ceremony – the first time was in 2014 when the Corps was marking its 350th anniversary.
‘A Commando Merlin helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron carried out a fly past and Royal Marines past and present gathered at the Tower to mark the occasion, with head of the Corps, Commandant General Royal Marines General Gwyn Jenkins, overseeing events.’
General Jenkins said: ‘To be afforded the opportunity to enact this unique ceremony on our 360th anniversary is a tremendous honour.
‘Like all Royal Marines, I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us.
‘What you have seen today is the combination of tradition that speaks to our core ethos and values, alongside the adaptability and professionalism of the modern commando force who will continue this legacy into the future.’
Warrant Officer 1 Simon Stroud, the Ceremonial Lead for the occasion, added: ‘It’s always a great privilege to conduct ceremonial duties in the nation’s capital. The Ceremony of the Dues is steeped in history, and to be part of that is a fantastic honour.
‘Every Marine taking part will remember this day with pride throughout their careers.’
The raiding party involved marines from Plymouth-based 47 Commando. They landed at the Royal Fortress.
The Royal Marines delivered the barrel on behalf of the Royal Navy who are traditionally involved in the historic ceremony
Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London escorted the group Royal Marines through the Royal Palace
Marines from Plymouth-based 47 Commando – who specialise in boat and landing craft operations – landed the Dues on the banks of the Thames at the Royal Fortress, handing over to a ceremonial guard comprising regular and reserves and members of the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Collingwood.
The guard marched the Dues through the outer gates of the Tower of London.
A spokesman continued: ‘As is tradition, the contingent bearing the Dues were challenged at the entrance to the Tower by the Yeoman Gaoler and two Yeoman Warders (better known as Beefeaters), wearing full state dress, before the Chief Yeoman Warder paraded the Dues through to Tower Green, where they presented them to the Constable of the Tower, General Sir Gordon Messenger.
‘The launch event mixes a ceremony deeply rooted in naval tradition with latest Royal Marines kit and tactics – two concurrent themes throughout the 360th anniversary year, as the Corps celebrates its rich, proud history, but also looks to the future as a hi-tech, elite Commando Force.
‘A fresh investment in kit, tech and vehicles and a return to raiding operations in small teams – opposed to the more conventional warfare of Afghanistan and Iraq – has underscored a bold modernisation of the Royal Marines.
‘Some of the new kit – including new rifle and uniform – were used by Commando Force personnel as they delivered the Dues, a nod to the future in a deeply historic event.’