OS DINNER GUESTS ENJOY HISTORY AND CEREMONY OF THE TOWER OF LONDON

On Thursday 29th September, the OS Club were thrilled to host a dinner for 52 Old Sedberghians at the Tower of London.

Home to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers’ Regimental Headquarters and still used for formal dinners and ceremonial occasions, the Tower of London has housed the official headquarters since the Regiment’s formation in 1685. Thanks to former OS Club President Brigadier David Biggart OBE (P59-64) – himself a long serving member of the Fusiliers – OS guests enjoyed private access to the Tower, including a tour of its regimental museum.

The evening started with a drinks reception, giving many of the guests a chance to reconnect. The venue was at capacity, with a great atmosphere among the 52 guests, from OS in their early 20s to those in their 80s.

After a three-course dinner, OS guests heard from Brigadier David Biggart, who talked about the history of the Tower of London and his personal connections to the venue and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Guests learned that the Regiment was originally formed to guard the guns at the Tower of London. Housing soldiers for many years, the Tower continues to be the Regimental Headquarters, and its museum holds a collection including 12 Victoria Cross Medals, and the uniform and bearskin of King George V.

OS then heard from a Yeoman Warder, who talked about their garrison duties, and the historic and ceremonial traditions of the Tower of London, including the 700 year-old Ceremony of the Keys. OS guests were privileged to be able to witness this historic tradition, one of the oldest surviving ceremonies of its kind.

After a fantastic evening at the Tower, for some guests the night continued into the early hours of the morning. It was a truly special evening set in the heart of one of the most historically significant venues in England. We hope to hold more events in similar venues in the future, and we look forward to welcoming more of the OS community.