The ‘Presentation of Addresses’ ceremony

Pictured above: Typical presentation delegation in gown and badges, with a magnificent artwork backdrop

The City of London maintains the tradition of numerous regular ceremonies, some well-known and some more obscure. Perhaps the annual ceremony that does not attract general attention is the ‘Presentation of Addresses’.

We are all aware of the ‘Silent Ceremony’ that is the occasion during which the new Lord Mayor of the City, or in the case of this year The Lady Mayor is sworn into office.

The ceremony takes place on the day before the Lord Mayor’s Show which this year was Friday 7th November at 3pm in Guildhall. As the name implies, the actions are performed in total silence apart from the swearing of the oath. The outgoing Lord Mayor’s tricorn hat is removed and the new Lady Mayor dons her own hat. The symbols of office are presented to the new Lady Mayor. These include the sceptre, the sword and the diamond encrusted badge of office, all are offered with a bow from the respective office holders.

Immediately following the Silent Ceremony, the newly installed Lady Mayor, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, accompanied by the Sheriffs, Alderman Robert Hughes-Penney and Deputy Keith Bottomley, attend the ‘Presentation of Addresses’ in the adjacent Guildhall Art Gallery. This ceremonial phrase refers to a formal ceremony where a legislative body or other group delivers an address of formal expressions of congratulation to a high-ranking official, in this case the new civic team.

This tradition has its roots in the communication between the sovereign and the Houses of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The first recorded address by both Houses of Parliament was in 1540.

The presentation of addresses is, in fact, a series of special and impressive gifts given by the Livery Companies, Guilds, Clubs or Societies of which the new Lady Mayor and Sheriffs are members of. Typically, the liveries presenting will be ‘mother’ companies but also includes other companies and associations proud to be associated with the new civic team.

Delegations from the presenting companies and associations are invited to attend and are seated together as an audience when the Lady Mayor and Sheriffs take their chairs. The City Remembrancer, Paul Wright, officiates and typically announces “To have the honour of presenting a (description of the gift) to The Rt Hon the Lady Mayor”, then naming the presenting party. The delegation then steps forward in line allowing the Master/President/Chairman to present the gift. The memorable highlight this year was a chromium plated fire axe, mounted onto a splendid oak plaque, presented to the Lady Mayor, to great amusement by the Worshipful Company of Fire Fighters.

It is fair to say that this ceremony is a relaxed informal occasion meant to be most enjoyable for all concerned. Numerous heavy gilded leatherbound visitor books were handed over as well as Mont Blanc pens, decanters, broaches, silver photo frames and Champagne coups.

Following the presentations, 16 in all this year, the civic party, officials and guests withdraw to the Old Library for a drinks reception. This is followed by a service of thanksgiving at St Lawrence Jewry Church to round off a busy day.

The Coachmakers’ Master and Wardens are no strangers to this ceremony; we presented gifts when the Rt Hon Alderman Alastair King DL was installed as Lord Mayor last year, also when Alastair was appointed Sheriff in 2022.