19 February 2025, 19:15 – 23:30
THA Event: Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London (FULLY BOOKED)
- LocationThe Tower of London, Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB
- CostFree | Cash Bar
- Booking closing dateThursday, 13 February 2025 12:00pm
- Dress codeBusiness attire - please see below for further details
This event is fully booked, and the waiting list is now full. If you have any questions, or would like to amend your booking please contact Rebecca Horner at thaevents@trinhall.cam.ac.uk.
The Trinity Hall Association is delighted to welcome alumni to attend the ancient Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.
As well as enjoying a tour of the Tower of London and drinks at the Yeoman Warders’ pub (cash bar), guests will witness the iconic ceremony, at which the sentry at the Tower cries out, ‘Halt, who comes there?’
To which the Yeoman Warder replies, ‘The keys.’
‘Whose keys?’
‘King Charles’ keys.’
‘Pass then, all’s well.’
Tickets to the tour and to witness the iconic ceremony are being made available to members of the Trinity Hall Association.
There is no charge for the event, but places must be reserved in advance. We expect this event to be popular and the number of tickets is strictly limited. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If you cannot attend after securing your place, please let us know as soon as possible.
At this stage, we are unable to make places available for guests of THA members. However, if space allows we will open booking to guests from Wednesday 5 February. Unfortunately, under 18s are not able to attend this event.
The timings for the event are:
19:15 Guests arrive at the West Gate of the Tower of London, located near Lower Thames Street
19:30 Entry to the Tower of London, followed by a tour by a Yeoman Warder
After the tour: Guests are taken to The Keys, the Yeoman Warders’ Club, for drinks*
21:30 Ceremony of the Keys
22:05 Ceremony of the Keys concludes. Guests may then either leave or return to The Keys for further refreshments
23:30 Event concludes. All guests to have vacated the Tower no later than 23:45.
*Please note: The Keys is cash only. Please bring cash for your drinks. Guests will also be invited to buy raffle tickets to raise money for the Yeoman Warders’ charities. We would strongly encourage members to support these Yeoman Warders’ charities generously.
Refreshments: Drinks are available from The Keys. No food is available inside the Tower in the evening. Guests are advised to eat beforehand.
Booking
This event is fully booked, and the waiting list is now full. If you have any questions, or would like to amend your booking please contact Rebecca Horner at thaevents@trinhall.cam.ac.uk.
Although there is no charge for the event, booking is required. Please note that spaces are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Initially booking is only open to alumni. If space allows, we will open booking to guests from Wednesday 5 February.
Booking closes at 12pm (GMT) on Thursday 13 February.
Guest list
You can view the guest list online. Please note that only Trinity Hall members who have given permission to be listed will appear. Non-members are not included.
Dress code
Business dress. Gentlemen are expected to wear a jacket and tie. Ladies should dress in business attire. We are advised that anyone arriving at the Tower incorrectly dressed will be denied entry. Members of the armed forces should not wear uniform.
Tower of London Rules
The Tower of London remains a working Royal Palace and this places certain requirements and duties upon us as guests. There is a ‘no movement’ policy in the Tower between 21:30 and 22:05 – before and after the Ceremony of the Keys. If any guests need to leave early then they must be clear of the grounds by no later than 21:20.
In exceptional circumstances, the Tower staff might have to make alternative arrangements for guests.
Visitors must obey instructions from the Yeoman Warders at all times while on Tower premises.
Location
The Tower of London West Gate, London, EC3N 4AB (at the end of Lower Thames Street).
For information on how to get to the Tower, visit their website.
Access
Wheelchair access is feasible but please be aware that there are many areas within the Tower that have cobbled stoned paths. Guests using a wheelchair will be advised on the best routes to use within the Tower.
Cancellations
We are anticipating that this event will be extremely popular, so please email thaevents@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or contact +44 (0)1223 763385 at the earliest opportunity if you need to cancel your booking. This will allow your place to be offered to someone on the waiting list, should this be required.
Photography
We like to take photos at our events to use in our digital and print communications. If you do not wish to have your photo taken, please let us know in advance or on the day.
Contact
If you have any queries, please contact Rebecca Horner at thaevents@trinhall.cam.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1223 763385.
For general questions about College events, please see our FAQS.
