The Mansion House

So if you were serving as the Lord Mayor of The City of London, your home sweet home would be the Mansion House, located in the center of London across from the Royal Exchange.  Just a quick reminder inserted here that "The City" of London is also referred to as the "Square Mile" denoting its size and the fact that it is the inner historical core of greater London and the home of the United Kingdom's financial services. As Lord Mayor, you would live, work and entertain in this elaborately furnished house which is often used for ceremonial events and receptions, as well.

We took a tour recently and were amazed at some of the secrets inside this beautiful Georgian town palace which was built between the years of 1739-1758.

One of the first items we saw upon entry was this Hallkeeper's Chair from the 18th century. It was designed to protect the hallkeeper from some of the draft, as he kept watch over the entry. Underneath the seat is a drawer which could hold a hot pan or coals to give him extra warmth.

Going further into the house gave us a glimpse of the Salon, which serves as a large reception area and is graced by a row of crystal chandeliers which are considered by some to be the most beautiful in the country outside of Buckingham Palace.

The chandeliers date from 1875, and were originally gas powered. The largest one has 36 lamps and weighs 606 pounds. Incredibly beautiful!

Next, we went into the Long Parlour Room where meetings and small dinners are held.

The day we were there, it was set up for an afternoon meeting the Lord Mayor was hosting to discuss plans for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to be held in 2012.

The Lord Mayor is elected by the livery companies and serves one year, in an unpaid ambassadorial role to represent the UK based financial and professional services.

The spectacular Egyptian Hall holds as many as 350 for a seated meal and serves as the main reception room of The Mansion House.

Not really Egyptian in style at all, it should more appropriately be called the Roman room,

and features statues of figures lining the walls which represent the classical world.

I loved the fascinating stained glass designed by Alexander Gibbs which was installed in 1868.

Moving on, we entered the State Drawing Rooms

where VIP's often gather before the receptions.

Most of the world renowned Harold Samuel art collection is displayed in these rooms. The collection includes 84 paintings by Dutch and Flemish masters and is considered by some to perhaps be the best collection of Dutch art in Britain. It was bequeathed to The City by Lord Harold Samuel, a wealthy property developer, in 1987.

The Merry Lute Player, on top, is the best known piece in the collection, painted between 1624-8 by Frans Hals.

Oddly enough, our visit ended with a peek into the men's toilets, where the original kitchen fireplace, dating back to 1753, is located.

Some of the ancient rules are still in place, though not enforced. 

Swear not, Lie not, Neither Repeat Old Grievances.

Warnings against eating or drinking in the hall with your hat on were also included.

Guided visits to The Mansion are held every Tuesday at 2 PM if you are ever in the area and would like to catch a tour. I can't imagine that you wouldn't enjoy it just as much as I did. A peek into the daily life of The City's Lord Mayor was fascinating.

Congratulations to Sue Watson who won the Souvenir Royal Wedding edition of The Sun newspaper after a random drawing by my sweet little granddaughter who loves to help out in this way. Thanks to everyone who dropped by and commented.

Lord Mayor's Parade

Nothing like an exciting parade on a chilly November day to put some fun into our weekend. It was the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Parade, as he made his way from the City of London to the Royal Courts of Justice where he swore his allegiance to the Crown. A little background information first--the Lord Mayor is selected each and every year to represent the City of London, which distinguishes itself from greater London. The City of London, or Square Mile as it is sometimes called, is the business and financial heart of London, as well as its historic core, and it has the same boundaries as it did in medieval times--roughly about a square mile in size. With much fanfare, the new Lord Mayor is introduced and sworn in.

The Band of Welsh Guards kicked off the parade

and all in all, there were 20 bands participating,

including the Queen's Band of Household Cavalry.

Bands of bagpipes are always a favorite.

All branches of the military were represented,

including the Royal Navy.

Over 6000 participants walked the parade route, and there were some interesting characters along the way. I think this chap could easily pass as Lancelot.

There was sometimes a feeling of a carnival flavor

as they danced their way down the parade route.

Paddington Bear would have been quite pleased that many bears were part of the excitement, possibly because the name of the new Lord Mayor is Michael Bear.

It wasn't unusual to see participants in historic costume.

The livery companies were well represented. Having their origins in the trade guilds of the Middle Ages, they are now known as the Worshipful Companies.  In this photo is The Worshipful Company of Paviors.  

Their steamroller represents the paving work they are still doing on today's roads around London.

There are still 108 livery companies in London,

many of whom were represented in the parade, including the Worshipful Company of Farmers.

The parade ended with much pageantry as the Lord mayor approached. Aldermen preceded him in their coaches.

Traditionally, he is escorted by the Pikemen and the Musketeers of the Honourable Artillery Company.

At long last, the Lord Mayor approached us

in a State Coach,  first built in 1757. Welcome Michael Bear--may you serve your city proud!