Lord Mayor's Show

Lord Mayor's Show
Rodolph at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Lord Mayor's Show
Frequency	Annual
Location	London
Country	United Kingdom
Years active	804 years
Founder	King Alfred of Wessex
Most recent	2022

Lord Mayor's Show. The Lord Mayor's Show is an annual event held in London, United Kingdom, to mark the appointment of the new Lord Mayor of London, a position that dates back to 1189, when Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonstone became the first Lord Mayor of London. The event has a long history, with the first recorded show taking place in 1215, during the reign of King John of England, and has been attended by numerous notable figures, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and Boris Johnson. The show is organized by the City of London Corporation, with support from the Greater London Authority and the Metropolitan Police Service.

History

The history of the Lord Mayor's Show dates back to 1189, when Henry II of England granted the City of London the right to elect its own mayor, with Richard I of England later confirming this right in 1190. Over the centuries, the show has evolved to include various elements, such as the River Thames pageant, which was first introduced in 1453, during the reign of Henry VI of England, and has been attended by notable figures, including Henry VIII of England, Mary I of England, and Elizabeth I of England. The show has also been influenced by various events, including the English Civil War, the Great Fire of London, and the Plague of London, which all had a significant impact on the City of London and its inhabitants, including Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn. The show has been held annually, with the exception of a few years, including 1655, when it was cancelled due to the English Interregnum, and 1939, when it was cancelled due to the Second World War, which involved the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Soviet Union.

The Show

The Lord Mayor's Show is a spectacular event that takes place in the heart of London, featuring a procession of floats, marching bands, and other performers, including the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, and the Scots Guards. The show is attended by the new Lord Mayor of London, who is escorted by the Aldermen of the City of London, the Sheriffs of the City of London, and other dignitaries, including the Bishop of London and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The show also features a number of notable figures, including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Home Secretary, who are all involved in the Government of the United Kingdom. The event is broadcast live on television, with coverage provided by the BBC, ITV, and Sky News, and is also streamed online, allowing people from around the world to watch the show, including those in Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Participants

The Lord Mayor's Show features a wide range of participants, including the Lord Mayor of London, the Aldermen of the City of London, the Sheriffs of the City of London, and other dignitaries, such as the Lord Chancellor, the Speaker of the House of Commons, and the Leader of the Opposition. The show also features a number of marching bands, including the Grenadier Guards Band, the Coldstream Guards Band, and the Scots Guards Band, as well as floats and other performers, including the Pearly Kings and Queens and the London School of Economics students. The participants come from a variety of backgrounds, including the City of London Corporation, the Metropolitan Police Service, and the London Fire Brigade, as well as from various Livery Companies, such as the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. The show also features a number of international participants, including the Mayor of New York City, the Mayor of Paris, and the Mayor of Tokyo, who are all involved in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.

Route and Proceedings

The Lord Mayor's Show takes place in the heart of London, with the procession starting at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London, and making its way to the Royal Courts of Justice, where the new Lord Mayor of London is sworn in. The procession then continues to St Paul's Cathedral, where a service is held, and finally ends at the Guildhall, the historic headquarters of the City of London Corporation. The show is attended by thousands of spectators, who line the streets to watch the procession, including those from Oxford University, Cambridge University, and the University of London. The proceedings are also attended by a number of notable figures, including the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Durham, and the Dean of Westminster, who are all involved in the Church of England.

Traditions and Symbolism

The Lord Mayor's Show is steeped in tradition and symbolism, with many of the elements of the show dating back centuries, including the Lord Mayor's Coach, which was first used in 1757, during the reign of King George II of Great Britain. The show also features a number of symbolic elements, including the Sword of State, the Mace, and the Cap of Maintenance, which are all carried by the Aldermen of the City of London and the Sheriffs of the City of London. The show is also attended by a number of notable figures, including the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Cambridge, who are all members of the British royal family. The show is an important part of the City of London's heritage, and is seen as a celebration of the city's history and traditions, including its connections to the Hanseatic League, the East India Company, and the British Empire.

Category:Events in London