ME and Ophelia

USS Halyburton crew take part in historic ceremony at Tower of London

The crew of a US frigate made history on Saturday by becoming the first foreign ship to take part in the ceremony of the 'Constable's Dues' at the Tower of London.



Barrel of rum delivered in tradition dating back to the 14th century.

From The Daily Telegraph
By Ian Johnston
Published: 18 Jul 2009



The ceremony recreates a tradition dating back to the 14th century (PA)

A shore party from the USS Halyburton put aside old disputes about "taxation without representation" to deliver a barrel of rum to the Tower.

The ceremony recreates a tradition dating back to the 14th century, where ships docking near the Tower would have to give the Constable part of their cargo as a form of tax.

This has since evolved into a ceremonial handover of what is usually an empty barrel of wine.

Crew members from the USS Halyburton became the first crew of a foreign ship to take part in the ceremony by presenting a barrel filled with Castillo Silver Rum to the Constable and his Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.

Commander Michael P. Huck led his crew to the Tower's West Gate where they were challenged by the Yeoman Gaoler armed with his axe.

The American shore party then marched through the Tower of London to Tower Green, accompanied by Yeoman Warders in scarlet and gold state dress and a Corps of Drums to deliver the rum to the current Constable, General Sir Roger Wheeler.

Commander Huck said: "Halyburton and her crew are honoured to be invited to take part in a tradition with such rich history. It is an excellent opportunity for my crew to not only enjoy London culture, but to be an active part of it."

However he admitted neither the cask nor the rum was actually cargo from the ship.

"The wine cask has been provided to us by the Tower authorities," he said. "It will actually be filled with Castillo Silver Rum. Unfortunately, since we do not typically carry alcohol on-board, that was also provided to us."

The constable's post was once a powerful position. He was entitled to collect money from fishermen and pilgrims, and could claim any horses, oxen, pigs or sheep that fell off London Bridge.