The annual Christmas Carol Service at the Tower of London in the historic and atmospheric Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula in December has become so popular that early booking is advised. St Peter ad Vincula, and the Tower itself, can hardly be bettered as a venue, and the organist and Royal Chapel Choir are outstanding.
Although the current chapel of St Peter ad Vincula dates from the reign of Henry VIII, there has been a place of worship on the site for over a thousand years, predating the Normans. Edward I demolished and rebuilt the Chapel in 1286. When that was badly damaged by fire in 1512, a new one was built in 1520. That Tudor chapel remains today.
New venue for Christmas cheer
This year, after several years in Watermen’s Hall, we moved to the larger Old Hall, Lincoln’s Inn to accommodate the growing numbers of Liverymen and guests who want to attend.
Coaches took us to the new venue for supper and festivities. Old Hall dates back to 1490 and is one of the finest buildings in London, erected before Christopher Columbus set sail for the New World and 130 years before the Mayflower left Plymouth on its historic voyage. Sir Thomas Moore, who joined the Inn in 1496, lived much of his professional life here. The Old Hall was where benchers, barristers and students of the Inn ate, drank, debated and held their revels.
Singing & dancing at Lincoln’s Inn
With that tradition in mind, our own supper was a pretty lively affair with songs and dancing organised for Liverymen, Freemen and guests, energetically choreographed by Court Assistant Andy Williamson dressed as our “Assistant Beadle” and led by Mr Barry Juckes.
Our guests of honour were the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, who we were delighted to welcome. The Lord Mayor set the seal on the evening with a characteristically amusing speech, and the Master presented him a cheque for his charity on behalf of the Company.
Due to the growing popularity of this event, it will take place at Lincoln’s Inn again this year. Don’t miss out and book early…
