THE CEREMONY OF THE ROSE

See Also: CITY OF LONDON CHURCH OF ENGLAND CHURCHES All Hallows By The Tower; FLOWERS; FOLK TRADITIONS; FOREIGN RELATIONS Sir John Hawkwood; GRAIN Seething Lane; THE GREAT TWELVE COMPANIES Fishmongers Hall, The Peasants Revolt; THE LORD OF MAYOR; PLANTS; WATERMEN

In 1370 Sir Robert Knollys acquired a property on the western side of Seething Lane. On the eastern side there was a threshing ground. His wife, Lady Constance, took exception to the chaff that sometimes blew into their home. In 1379 she bought the offending yard and had it demolished. On the site, she created a rose garden. The street between her home and the garden was very muddy. Therefore, she commissioned the construction of a footbridge that passed over it at a height of fourteen feet. This was done was without her having obtained consent from the City authorities for its erection. In 1381 they took exception to it. They felt obligated to prosecute her. However, her husband, Sir Robert, was not a man to be antagonised. He was one of the principal mercenary warlords who, during the Hundred Years War, served the English Crown ... some of the time. The authorities resolved their predicament by finding her guilty but allowing the footbridge to remain. She was fined a single, symbolic red rose that was to be given to the City each year upon the Feast of John the Baptist. The payment of this became the annual Knollys Rose Ceremony.

A few weeks later the Peasants Revolt broke out. Sir Robert was in London. The citizens looked to him to provide them with military leadership. When it became apparent that the rebels were no longer a potent threat, King Richard II asked the knight whether they should massacre the peasants who were in the City. Knollys argued against doing so. His advice was heeded.

At some point during the 17^thC the ceremony fell into abeyance. However, in 1924 it was revived and now takes place each June. The event is organised by the Company of Watermen & Lightermen. The rose is cut by the Master Waterman in Seething Lane Garden and placed upon All Hallows Barking's altar cushion. It is then taken by the churchwardens to the Mansion House, where it is presented to the Lord Mayor. The Lady Mayoress is given a bouquet.

Location: Seething Lane Gardens, Seething Lane, EC3N 4AH (orange, blue)

Website: www.ahbtt.org.uk/events/knollys-rose-ceremony www.fishhall.co.uk

David Backhouse 2024