LORD MAYOR’S PARADE

Evening Star, Issue 22227, 3 January 1936, Page 9

LORD MAYOR’S PARADE

INSTALLATION CEREMONY COLOURFUL PAGEANTRY Dazzling in scarlet robe, London’s new Lord Mayor, Sir Percy Vincent, drove in . medieval “ pomp . and circumstance ” from ancient Guikjhall to the Royal Law Courts to take his oath of office.

A stack of wheat on a decorated wagon drawn by four Percheron hdrses “lent” from the Buckinghamshire farm of'J. P. Morgan,- gave - an American touch to the annual parade.

By order of Sir Percy the procession had a rural theme, floats and paraders representing “ a pageant of agriculture and country life.” Through densely jiacked streets, in a modern version of Dick Whittington, Sir Percy went in the name of the City of’London “ to sue, prosecute, defend, and lay claim” to centuriesold rights and privileges before the bewigged Lord Chief Justice. Starting life as a draper’s assistant Sir Percy became the 613th Lord Mayor of London since the then walled city chose Henry Fritz-Alwyn as “ My Lord the Maire ” in 1189 a.b.

Sir Percy drove'in glittering state, borne along the four-mil© processional route in the lumbering, 178-year-old gilded coach known as “ Old Gingerbread,” drawn by six steeds, with a colourful host of attendants.

Gleaming cuirasses of theh Horse Guards, befurred and beChainecl Aidermen, dignitaries from the “worshipful companies ” in their purple robes, State trumpeters, the common crier, the sword hearer, the mace hearei’ the sheriffs, and many another magnificent figure—surpassed only by . the Lord Mayor himself—drew the “ oohs ’’ and “ ahs ” of the surging thousands along the way. Arriving at the historic Law Courts in the Strand, after passing through such picturesquely-named thoroughfares as Cheapside, London Wall; Old Broad street, Threadneedlo. street, St. Paul’s Churchyard, Ludgate Hill, and Fleet street, the Lord Mayor climbed down from the high-stepped coach and, still wearing his hat, stood before the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Hewart. and was sworn to office. .

The ancient ceremony, ended. Sir Percy and his procession slowly returned to the fifteenth century Guildhall building by way of the Thpmes Embankment.

The celebration was financed by the Lord Mayor himelf,. probably at a cost of £20,000. The Lord Mayor’s salary is £50,000 a year, but Sir Percy, like his predecessor, Sir Stephen Molyheaux Killilf, is wealthy in Ins own' right. The Lord Mayor is elected- by the Court of Aldermen from two Aidermen nominated in the Court of Common Hall of the. Livery, an electorate drawn from the members of the ancient trade guilds or livery companies,'which through their control over the several trades of manufactures, had formerly an influence over the government of the city, which from the time of Edward 111. was paramount.