SIM Cutter with Master and Consort take part in Tudor Pull
The Master and his consort were invited to join the SIM Cutter to take part in the historic Tudor Pull. This 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' (a carved or inscribed stone slab or pillar used for commemorative purposes) to the Governor of the Tower for safekeeping.
The cutters are rigged with full ceremonial canopies and flags and rowed with four oars by fully-liveried crews. In keeping with the traditions of the Watermen's Cutters, passengers are carried.
The Master took the second half the journey from Richmond to the Tower of London.
Our Rowers from the Livery (pictured) were Simon Hall, Martyn Wheatley and Raul Abreu, who battled on courageously in the extreme conditions of the hottest day of the year, and initially against the tide! The Master, in full regalia, also survived the heat!
The trip from West London to the City and under Tower Bridge was really impressive, with so much to see and take in.
Unfortunately, Gloriana, in the difficult conditions, made much better progress than most of the Livery Cutters, so we were not able to take part in the closing ceremony of the handing over of the 'Stela' to the Beefeaters at the tower of London.
A memorable experience, none the less!!