I was kindly invited to Mansion House on the 2nd November for tea with the Lady Mayoress of the City of London.
The Lord Mayor is elected for a term of one year which runs from November to November and throughout the year there are several events where the great and the good of the City are invited. This being somewhat of a grand finale it was one of the largest events of the year and for myself, certainly the grandest tea I have ever had.
I thought I would share some of the photos I took which correspond to some of the rooms I mentioned in my last blog post.
The Egyptian Room
The Egyptian Room that looks rather Roman was the main room where everyone gathered. There was tea, sandwiches, cake and also some stronger drinks later on.
There must have been 2-300 people inside and I was rather surprised that I knew 6 or 7 of them all ready.
One person I know of, if not know is this fellow, King Alfred the Great.
I must walk past this window hundreds of times a year and always marvel at it from the outside. Having always wanted to see it from the inside, I wasn't disappointed. There is a similar window at the other end of the room.
These are the twin drawing rooms. Sumptuously furnished and decorated throughout.
In some ways this was my favourite room. Behind me was a table full of golden treasures. In the distance on the right was a wonderful musician playing a harp which added so much to the occasion.
When you look at these chandeliers it is easy to understand how centuries ago similar ones were damaged in transport to the Guildhall.
As we went into the Egyptian Room, there was an Honour Guard all standing magnificently with their swords out. I've never had a guard of honour before, I felt rather like the Queen but without a handbag so took a page out of her book and smiled and nodded politely at every one.
Towards the end of the tea as I was off exploring these wonderful rooms, I bumped into this marvellous fellow. During the Lord Mayors Parade he will be walking alongside the carriage and guarding it whilst it is parked up. He joked that it shouldn't be the most onerous security role but if you saw how lavishly decorated it is then you never know. I'm sure he did a grand job and was a lovely friendly man.
Most importantly I have to thank the Lady Mayoress for her invite. Having previously arranged for a private behind scenes tour with her of the Guildhall, it was a wonderful additional surprise which I will always remember fondly.
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