Raising money by the Monarchy for the Monarchy has always been a problem and over the centuries many Kings have come up with some ingenious methods of filling the Royal coffers. One particularly cunning idea carried out by Richard I in 1197 was to sell the River Thames to the City of London Corporation. Strictly speaking he was only selling the “Conservancy” of the river but he still managed to command the sum of 1500 marks for the transaction; doubtless this would have helped pay for a war or two.
But whether it is right or wrong to sell off the “family silver” in this way, the Worshipful Company of Water Conservators mark this historic event with the Jug Ceremony in July each year. This ceremony - which takes place in the Mansion House - sees the Master present to the Lord Mayor a jug of Thames water from which a toast is drunk. Accordingly I, accompanied by the Clerk, the Fleet and Walbrook Wardens and Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley attended the Mansion House at 11:00 to perform the ceremony.
Met by the Equerry and clutching the jug of water, we awaited the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress. The ceremony itself is very short but poignant and the Lord Mayor graciously received the jug and an illuminated copy of the citation which I had read to him. Photographs were taken and a small glass of champagne offered in response. We then chatted to the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress before they had to retire for their next duties.
Before doing so however the Lord Mayor made it very clear that he values these traditions highly and was delighted to participate. He wished the Water Conservators every success and fully supports the important work that the Company undertake.
Whilst one of the shorter events in the calendar, the Jug Ceremony does allow some quality one-on-one time with the Lord Mayor and we took full advantage. A very pleasant way to start the week.
Picture shows (from left to right) Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley, the Walbrook Warden, the Lord Mayor, the Master, the Lady Mayoress and the Fleet Warden.
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