Knollys Rose 2022

The annual Knollys Rose Ceremony took place on Tuesday 21 June, when the Company joined parishioners from All-Hallows-at-the-Tower for this ancient custom dating back to 1381. Starting at All-Hallows the procession moved to Seething Lane, where a red rose was picked from the garden as symbolic fine for not gaining planning permission for a rose garden and a bridge over a road back in 1381 by Lady Constance, wife of prominent Londoner, Sir Robert Knollys.

From Seething Lane, the procession went onwards to Mansion House, to present the red rose to the Lord Mayor for payment of the fine, and Freemen and their guests were then able to explore this wonderful city building in the company of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

From Mansion House, the procession returned to Watermen’s Hall where Freemen and guests sat down for an excellent luncheon, after which our Senior Warden, Master Elect, Alderman Sir David Wootton told us various stories of his own time as Lord Mayor of London when he lived at the Mansion House.