Constable of The Tower - Constable's Dues

Constable's Dues

In the Middle Ages it was a profitable position; among the Constable’s entitlements were:

• any horses, oxen, pigs or sheep that fell off London Bridge
• any cart that fell into the Tower moat
• all herbage growing on Tower Hill
• 6/8d (six shillings and eight pence) annually from each boat fishing between the Tower and the sea
• 1s (1 shilling) a year from all ships carrying herring to London
• 2d (2 pence - pronounced tuppence) from each pilgrim who came to London, by sea, to worship at the shrine of St James
• all swans swimming under London Bridge.

Every ship that came upstream to London had to moor at Tower Wharf to give a portion of its cargo to the Constable, as payment for the protection afforded by the Tower's cannon. These dues included oysters, mussels, cockles, rushes, and wine. The tradition is still maintained today by the Royal Navy, at the annual Ceremony of the Constable's Dues, when one large vessel presents the Constable with a barrel of rum.

Since 1784 the tradition has been for the Constable to be a senior military officer, usually a General officer. Perhaps the most famous Constable was Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who served from 1825 to 1852. During his tenure, the royal menagerie and record office was removed and many buildings were restored to their medieval state. The moat was drained and converted into a parade ground. Yeomen Warders were no longer permitted to buy and sell their places but were to be drawn only from Sergeants in the Army. Much to His Grace's displeasure, tourism at the Tower increased during his Constableship.

Each Constable is now appointed for five years. The new Constable is handed the keys as a symbol of office. On State occasions the Constable has custody of the Crown and other royal jewels. The Constable enjoys the privilege of direct access to the head of state, HM the Sovereign.