Ceremony of the Keys (London) Ceremony of the Keys (London) The Ceremony of the Keys is an ancient ritual, held every evening at the Tower of London, when the main gates are locked for the night. It is said to be the oldest military ceremony in the world, and is the best-known ceremonial tradition of the Tower. At exactly 9.53 pm, the Chief Yeoman Warder, dressed in Tudor watchcoat and bonnet, and carrying a candle lantern, leaves the Byward Tower and falls in with the Escort to the Keys, a military escort made up of armed members of the Tower of London Guard. The Warder
House of Keys between two constituencies.) Each sends 2 members to the House of Keys. The term of the House of Keys is normally fixed at five years, but provisions exist for dissolution before the expiration of the term. The Speaker of the House of Keys (SHK) is an MHK elected by the Keys as the presiding officer. The Speaker votes in the House of Keys, but, unlike other members, may abstain; however, where the vote is tied the Speaker must cast the deciding vote. The Speaker also acts as Deputy President of Tynwald Court. The House of Keys elects most of the