Police World Edition 1 2015

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Leicestershire branch members joined 5 million other visitors who were
fortunate to time their trip to London and the Tower whilst the
art installation ‘Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red’ was in full bloom.
Over 888,000 ceramic poppies, created
by Paul Cummins and Tom Piper, filled
the Tower of London’s famous moat -
with each poppy representing a British military
fatality during the conflict. This spectacular
display, designed to mark one hundred years
since the first full day of Britain’s involvement in
the First World War, encircled the tower creating a
powerful image of commemoration.
One of the poppies has been purchased by
Leicestershire branch for display in the front foyer
of Leicestershire Police Headquarters.
Our tour of the Tower took place during the
evening. We were welcomed by members from the
Yeoman Warders who took us around the grounds
of the Tower and pointed out all the historical
points of interest. They revelled in retelling all the
associated tales - particularly the executions of
the monarchs down the ages and the murder of
the two princes in the Tower. Some reference was
made, of course, to Richard III - whose remains
were found under a car park in Leicester.
At 10 pm we were honoured to be allowed a close
up view of the ceremony of ‘The Keys’. This age
old ceremony dates back 800 years and the
locking of the Tower has not been missed on any
occasion during that time. Not even during any
of the first and second world wars. On one night,
during the Second World War, the ceremony was
interrupted for 25 minutes, which I think we can
excuse, due to bombs landing within the grounds.
In keeping with tradition, the King had to be
informed of the delay and in his letter to the
warders he said, ‘Don’t let it happen again!’
During our visit we were allowed to use the
Yeoman Warders Club where we were treated to
a hot meal and refreshments.
On leaving the Tower, we were able to see
beautiful views of the city, including Tower Bridge
and the Shard, all lit up. We were lucky enough
to enjoy many other wonderful sights of London
during our day - including the London Eye, The
Houses of Parliament, the modern architecture of
the modern buildings which have become known
as the Gherkin, the Cheese Grater and the Shard.
It was a wonderful experience and memories of
the ceremony and the poppies will remain with us
for ever. Our thanks go to the Yeoman Warders for
allowing us this opportunity; a presentation was
made on behalf of Leicestershire branch, by Chair
Clive Wood, to them.
To see more images of the ‘Blood Swept Lands
and Seas of Red’ installation visit: http://
poppies.hrp.org.uk/about-the-installation
Fred Rankin, Leicestershire branch
For information on visiting London go to :
Article
POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 1, 2015 13
The Tower of London
Yoeman Warders with the ceramic poppies
A view of the art installation
The London Eye
Tower Bridge