We are pleased to report that the Stela was successfully transported from Hampton Court Palace to the Tower of London.
At Hampton Court the Stela was handed over by the Custodian in a beautiful secluded garden in the palace.
Accompanying the Stela on its journey down the Thames were the Master Water Conservator, Carolyn Roberts, and her Consort, Stephen Roberts, and the Master Watermen and Lightermen, Sean Collins, on the Jubilant. The Jubilant was captained by the King’s Bargemaster and rowed by the Royal Watermen. Following the Jubilant were fifteen cutters and other traditional Thames boats from Livery Companies and rowing clubs. They included the Water Conservators’ cutter Water Forget-Me-Not with Deputy Master ,Dylan Barker, and his Consort, Sharon Barker. The whole flotilla was led by the London Port Health Authority motor boat, the Londinium III, with our Clerk Chris Millett, Liveryman Eileen Bigg and Past Master Martin Bigg. At our lunch stop at Richmond we were pleased to be welcomed and supported by members of the Water Conservators’ Company.
Following arrival at Tower Bridge pier, the King’s Bargemaster carrying the Stela and accompanied by the crews and supporters, walked in procession to the Tower, an impressive spectacle. At the Tower the great entrance doors were closed and a Royal Waterman demanded entrance. Fortunately the Tower’s Warders let us in and we were greeted by the Constable of the Tower of London, and we handed the Stela over for safe keeping.
Everyone was reminded of the importance of fresh water to the City of London and the role of the River Thames in the history and success of the City. After photographs on the lawn, we adjourned to the “Keys” pub within the Tower for very welcome refreshment. It had been a warm day and the crews especially deserved it.
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