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The Tudor Pull

King Henry VIII on board the 'Jubilant' as it passes Hays Wharf (click on image to enlarge)

The Tudor Pull is a ceremonial event for Thames Watermen's Cutters which is organised each year by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association (TTRA).The cutters escort the Thames Royal Shallop 'Jubilant' rowed by members of the Company of Watermen and Lightermen from Hampton Court Palace to the Tower of London to deliver a 'Stela' to the Governor of the Tower for safekeeping. 

The Royal Flotilla passes  through Central London (click on image to enlarge)

The 'Stela' is a piece of medieval water pipe made from a hollowed tree trunk which stands on a base of timber from the old Richmond Lock and which bears the coat of arms of the Waterman's Company.

This year's event took place on Saturday 20th June 2009 and, to mark the 500th anniversary of the coronation of King Henry VIII in 1509, was combined with a Tudor Pageant. The 'Stela' was handed over to the custody of her Majesty's Bargemasters at the Tower of London to be carried by river to King Henry's Royal Palace at Hampton Court. His Gracious Majesty King Henry VIII and his Queen accompanied the 'Stela' in the vanguard of the Royal Procession on board the Royal Slallop 'Jubilant'.

As usual the cutters were rigged with full ceremonial canopies and flags and were rowed with four oars by fully-liveried crews. In keeping with the traditions of the Watermen's Cutters, passengers were carried.

The Flotilla arrives at Hampton Court Palace (click on image to enlarge)

The 2010 Tudor Pull will take place on Sunday 23rd May 2010. For more information about the event and the 'Jubilant' visit the TTRA website (opens in a new window).

All images courtesy of Jon Stacey