The Polytechnic Lodge

Three members of The Polytechnic Lodge, Worshipful Brothers Adam Gale, Jim Fleming and Brother Amit Summesur joined in the Metropolitan Grand Lodge procession at the 2021 London Lord Mayors show.

Alderman Vincent Keaveny was elected as the 693rd Lord Mayor of the City of London and is the very first Irish Lord Mayor to occupy the office.

The length of the Lord Mayors’ parade is around three miles long, however, the length of the route is only 1.5 miles in length. The freemasons contingent was positioned almost exactly halfway through the parade, meaning the first floats would have reached the end just as they started off, but according to our members who attended it was well worth the wait.

The Lord Mayors’ show dates back to the early 13th century when King John rashly allowed the City of London to appoint its own Mayor. He insisted that each newly-elected Mayor should come to Westminster and swear loyalty to the Crown, and the Lord Mayor of London has been making that journey for over 800 years. Around him (and her) grew up the noisy, colourful, joyous procession that over the centuries became known as the Lord Mayor’s Show.

The procession this year had more than 140 performances and 8,000 people including full-size model elephants, Japanese drummers, a horse-drawn bus, and one of the two tallest fire engines in Europe both generously donated by London freemasons. Marching bands joined the procession, as well as two giant wicker figures, Gog and Magog, the guardians of London since antiquity and regulars of the show since the Middle Ages.   The highlight of the show is the Lord Mayor’s splendid State Coach, the oldest ceremonial vehicle in the world still in regular use. The iconic golden Lord Mayor’s Coach can be seen at the Museum of London throughout the rest of the year.

Speaking on behalf of all The Polytechnic Lodge members who joined in the parade, Worshipful Brother Adam said, “it was a rather spectacular day all around. I think we will all certainly apply to take part again.”