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The Ceremony of the Keys

The Tower of London is guarded by Yeoman warders, or Beefeaters as they are often referred to. They wear the well-known Tudor scarlet and gold uniforms, with white ruffs at the neck, and black hats.

It is the responsibility of the chief warder, each night, to lock the great gates of the Tower. At 10 p.m. dressed in a long red coat and black hat, together with his escort, he makes his way to the gates.

As they approach the Bloody Tower, a sentry challenges them, the sentry cries out "Halt! Who goes there?" The chief warder replies "The Keys" the sentry then asks "Whose Keys?"

Lifting his hat in the air in respect of the monarch, the chief warder answers "Queen Elizabeth's Keys. God preserve Queen Elizabeth" The sentry then replies "Amen".

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