After all the excitement of yesterday I wanted to get out with the camera rather than be judged!
Although I've watched the 'Tudor Pull' pass through Teddington Lock on a number of occasions, today is only the second time I have seen the ancient ceremony at Hampton Court Palace involving the 'Stela' and drinking of wine from goblets. This is what Britain does best - a bit of pageantry and lots of great Tudor outfits! Lucky for those visitors to the Palace today who were able to experience this and how apt that it coincided with St George's Day.
Although based on original Tudor traditions, nowadays the event is used to promote the use of the River Thames and to maintain the traditional of rowing on the river. The Queen's Royal Barge - The Gloriana - took pride of place and departed from the Hampton Court Landing Stage at the start of the processions journey downstream, all the way to the Tower of London, passing through Teddington Lock onto the tidal stretch of the river.
