In October each year a service is held in Westminster Abbey to observe the beginning of the new legal year. All judges of England and Wales, together with leading barristers, are invited to be present.

When the service is over, the procession takes place from the abbey to the House of Lords, for the customary Lord Chancellor's Breakfast. Although this may not be one of London's more colourful processions, it is none the less impressive to see these dignified ladies and gentlemen in their legal robes and wigs, as they make their way towards The Houses of Parliament.

The legal year has four sittings, beginning in October with Michaelmas; Hillary commences in January, followed by Easter and the Trinity sitting starts in May.

Continue reading about other Pageants and Ceremonies of London here: