POMP & PAGEANTRY
 Perambulatum Exhilarat Animum
 
The real keys of the kingdom – or at least its capital – can be found in the unique little pageants that mark the passage of the City's year since time immemorial. This is a series of walks that explores that "parallel universe seething away just beneath the surface of the City of London". A series of walks that looks at – and takes in – London's ancient, little-known, intimate and very colourful ceremonies. It's a chance to "catch" something very special that the "many headed" never get to see. Not only catch it, "front row it". In short, because the ceremonies are little known* ("London specialises in hiding the best of itself") we'll be able to get very close. So be sure to bring your camera.
 
In the Summer 2010 London Walks programme – which kicked in on April 23rd and runs through October 31st – there's a dozen or so Pomp & Circumstance Walks taking place.
 
On Thursday, May 13th it's "Whack it boys, whack it!" – Beating the Bounds, Mace, Axe & Full State Dress. It goes at 2 pm from Tower HillTube
 
 On Wednesday, May 26th it's Trinity Tide – Captains & Commodores; Procession, Prayers & the Duke of Edinburgh! It goes at 11 am from Tower HillTube
 
On Monday, June 14th it's Knollys Red Rose – Footbridge & Fine, Lightermen, Lord Mayor & Lady Constance, Watermen & 1381. It goes at 10.15 am from Tower HillTube.
 
On Wednesday, July 14th it's Water Into Wine – The Watermen & Vintners' Ceremony. It goes at 10.30 am from MonumentTube, the Fish Street Hill exit.
 
On Thursday, July 15th it's Doggett's Coat & Badge – Comedian, 1715, Whigs, Fishmongers & Thames Boat Race. It goes at 12.30 pm from MonumentTube, the Fish Street Hill exit.
 
On Wednesday, July 21st it's The Ancient Cart Marking Ceremony – Branding the Four-Wheelers! It goes at 10.15 am from St. Paul'sTube exit 2.
 
On Sunday, September 19th it's The Blessing of the Horses – Tyburnia, Bayswater, Equestrian London. It goes at 10.45 am from Lancaster GateTube.
 
On Friday, September 24th it's Christ's Hospital Procession – Lord Mayor & Largesse; Band, Choir & Coin of the Realm. It goes at 11 am from St. Paul'sTube, exit 2.
 
On Tuesday, September 28th it's Admission of Sheriffs – Maces, Ceremonial Swords, Chains of Offices, Robes & Furred Gowns. It goes at 10 am from Mansion HouseTube, exit 1.
 
On Wednesday, October 13th it's the Quit Rents Ceremony – 1361, 61 Nails, 6 Large Horseshoes, Queen's Remembrancer. It goes at 1.30 pm from TempleTube.
 
On Monday, October 18th it's Trooping the Colourists – Painters & Stainers on the March! It goes at 12.30 pm from Mansion HouseTube, exit 1.
 
*Inward-looking as opposed to "made for tourists". Which is what you'd expect, precisely because they're ancient. Pre-tourist, in other words!