Ceremony of the Keys.

No. If you want to take pictures of the yard do it when you are visiting the Tower during the day. There ceremony is awesome, have fun!

That is what I thought. I appreciate the response and I am glad to hear it is worth the whole 1 pound I paid for it. I do have to admit I was super excited when I saw they had tickets available, even more so when I actually scored one!

Congratulations on scoring tickets. I checked the website and they are sold out till next April. When friends scoffed at me for planning some aspects of our trip so far in advance, this is one of the reasons why. Hope you have time to write a trip report one your return.

I will try. I honestly can't believe the luck. Now I am just waiting for something to go wrong and I won't make part of my vacation because of a flight delay or something.

Make sure you are there by 9:15pm just to be sure you aren’t late. They only open the gate for a couple of minutes, once they close it they will not open it again, even if you walk up as they are closing it, I’ve seen it happen.

We did the Ceremony of the Keys last year, and even though it was June, it was already too dark for photography by the time we queued to get in. You really can't expect to SEE much, but it is just so thrilling to be part of a small group that gets to witness a ceremony that has been done every day for 700 years. And you get to sign the records of the Tower of London as a witness to the ceremony.

And most importantly be respectful of the tradition.

When I went 6 years ago a 20 something made a snarky remark and was immediately challenged by the tower guard who was the spitting image in looks and deed of Jimmy Cagney.

Said 20 something was escorted off the property much to our groups delight. Even the woman he was with was appreciative.

I shouldn't have any problem with getting there, I am staying at the CitizenM Hotel at the Tower and it is like a 5 minute walk at most from the Tower. I will probably head out of the hotel by 8:50pm.

I am excited about signing the records!!! I will most definitely be respectful. I will probably be in such awe I won't be able to say much. I am a history buff (got my Master's in History, with a focus in Plantagenet and Tudor History) so this is something that is very important to me.

Claudia, so glad to hear that the 29 something was escorted out. I think it’s a very impressive ceremony, and like you should be respected.

When we went a few years ago it was in a driving rain. We had umbrellas and the ceremony went off without a hitch and was truly impressive. Photos are out and it's too dark anyway. The Tower guides are often retired SAS (Special Air Service) military, much like America's Navy Seals. They don't put up with any smart remarks from anybody.

I've done the CotK and i wouldn't consider trying to sneak any pics... They are very hot about that. I didn't see anyone signing anything when i was there, must have missed that bit.

I'm not much into history myself and not easily impressed by it, I guess living in a city where 500-1000yr old buildings are not uncommon has deadened my sense of wonder... But i was impressed with the CotK. Every day for 700 years, amazing.

I hadn't planned on trying to sneak pictures. I like to respect the rules that are set up. When I was in the Sistine Chapel it really incensed me that people were sneaking pictures. It shows a disrespect for the place you are in and the people that are allowing you to be there or experience it. I plan on just soaking up the experience and not having to worry about getting pictures will make that so much easier in the end.

I do have to admit I am jealous of you living in London. I am glad you were impressed with the Ceremony that means something.

Mike, you didn’t miss anything, there isn’t anything to sign. I’ve been there several times with different people, nothing to sign.

Mike, you didn’t miss anything, there isn’t anything to sign. I’ve been there several times with different people, nothing to sign.

Well the Yeomen certainly asked our group to sign the records, explaining that we were attesting that the ceremony was completed. And we saw that it had been done every day for as far back as the large book went. It was a nice honour.