Silent Ceremony
7th November 2025Guildhall
The Masters of all 113 Liveries lined up in the Crypt of the Guildhall in reverse order of precedence. We then processed to the Great Hall to take our positions for the Silent Ceremony. The only person to speak during the Ceremony is the new Mayor. We were delighted that the City of London's first Lady Mayor was installed that day. For those interested, the ceremony is detailed below:
When the Lady Mayor-Elect has made and subscribed the Declaration, the outgoing Lord Mayor surrenders their seat to the incoming Lady Mayor and takes their seat on the left side of the Chair. The incoming Lady Mayor puts on their hat and the outgoing Lord Mayor then removes their hat. The Town Clerk and Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms retire.
The Chamberlain, making three reverences, walks to the south side of the table and presents the Sceptre to the outgoing Lord Mayor, who delivers it to the incoming Lady Mayor; the Sceptre is then placed on a velvet cushion upon the table before them. The Chamberlain then retires, making three reverences; and advancing again in the same manner as before, presents the Seal of the office of mayoralty, which being placed on the table as before, they retire; then advancing a third time, they present in the same manner the Purse, which is also placed on the table. The Chamberlain then retires.
The Swordbearer next advances with three reverences, and presents the Sword to the outgoing Lord Mayor,who delivers it to the incoming Lady Mayor, who returns it again to the Swordbearer, who places it on the table, and retires, making three reverences.
The Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms then advances with three reverences, and presents the Mace to the outgoing Lord Mayor, who delivers it to the incoming Lady Mayor, who returns it again to the Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms, who places it upon the table, and retires, making three reverences.
The Swordbearer then advances making three reverences and presents the Collar of SS and Badge on a velvet cushion to the outgoing Lord Mayor who hands it to the incoming Lady Mayor who returns it again to the Swordbearer. The Swordbearer then retires making three reverences and places the cushion with the Collar of SS and Badge on the table near to their position.
The Principal Clerk to the Chamberlain advances, making three reverences, and receives from the incoming Lady Mayor, on a velvet cushion, the Sceptre, the Seal and the Purse, and then retires, making three reverences.
The Swordbearer then advances, making three reverences, and takes the Sword from the table, and retires, making three reverences.
The Common Cryer and Serjeant-at-Arms takes the Mace with the same ceremony.
The Comptroller and City Solicitor then advances, making three reverences, presents the Indenture for the City Plate, which the incoming Lady Mayor signs. The Comptroller and City Solicitor then retires, making three reverences.
The Remembrancer then advances, making three reverences and presents to the incoming Lady Mayor the appointment of the Deputy City Gauger, which she signs. The Remembrancer then retires, making three reverences.
The Aldermen, Recorder, Sheriffs, Officers, the Chief Commoner, and the members of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs’ Committee rise and, in rotation, advance to the incoming Lady Mayor and congratulate them and return to their seats.
The audience remain seated.