The Lord Mayor's Show which dates back to the 15th century, is held each year on the second Saturday in November. This is a bright and cheering event, at the time of year when the skies of London can be grey and the weather gloomy.

The newly elected Lord Mayor is taken in his gilded coach from Guildhall, past St. Paul's Cathedral, down Fleet Street to the Royal Courts of Justice to take the oath of office in front of the Lord Chief Justice.

The Lord Mayor's magnificent coach weighs four tons and is pulled by six horses. It was built in 1757 and an Italian painter and engraver from Florence, Giovanni Cipriani, (who also painted the Gold State Coach, which you can see in The Royal Mews) painted the side panels.

A bodyguard march alongside the coach; these are members of the company of Pikemen and Musketeers. Many in the procession wear traditional costume, making this one of the most interesting and colourful events to take place in London.

A different aspect of London life, or its history, is chosen every year and portrayed in scenes mounted on floats, which precede the Lord Mayor's Coach.

Continue reading about other Pageants and Ceremonies of London here: