Police World Edition 1 2015

Article

The Tower of London

Yoeman Warders with the ceramic poppies

Leicestershire branch members joined 5 million other visitors who were fortunate to time their trip to London and the Tower whilst the art installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ was in full bloom. O ver 888,000 ceramic poppies, created by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, filled the Tower of London’s famous moat - In keeping with tradition, the King had to be informed of the delay and in his letter to the warders he said, ‘Don’t let it happen again!’ During our visit we were allowed to use the Yeoman Warders Club where we were treated to a hot meal and refreshments. On leaving the Tower, we were able to see

with each poppy representing a British military fatality during the conflict. This spectacular display, designed to mark one hundred years since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in the First World War, encircled the tower creating a powerful image of commemoration. One of the poppies has been purchased by Leicestershire branch for display in the front foyer of Leicestershire Police Headquarters. Our tour of the Tower took place during the evening. We were welcomed by members from the Yeoman Warders who took us around the grounds of the Tower and pointed out all the historical points of interest. They revelled in retelling all the associated tales - particularly the executions of the monarchs down the ages and the murder of the two princes in the Tower. Some reference was made, of course, to Richard III - whose remains were found under a car park in Leicester. At 10 pm we were honoured to be allowed a close up view of the ceremony of ‘The Keys’. This age old ceremony dates back 800 years and the locking of the Tower has not been missed on any occasion during that time. Not even during any of the first and second world wars. On one night, during the Second World War, the ceremony was interrupted for 25 minutes, which I think we can excuse, due to bombs landing within the grounds.

A view of the art installation

beautiful views of the city, including Tower Bridge and the Shard, all lit up. We were lucky enough to enjoy many other wonderful sights of London during our day - including the London Eye, The Houses of Parliament, the modern architecture of the modern buildings which have become known as the Gherkin, the Cheese Grater and the Shard. It was a wonderful experience and memories of the ceremony and the poppies will remain with us for ever. Our thanks go to the Yeoman Warders for allowing us this opportunity; a presentation was made on behalf of Leicestershire branch, by Chair Clive Wood, to them. To see more images of the ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ installation visit: http:// poppies.hrp.org.uk/about-the-installation Fred Rankin , Leicestershire branch

The London Eye

Tower Bridge

For information on visiting London go to : www.ipa-uk.org/Travel-Accomm/Visiting-London

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POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 1, 2015