227. Lord Mayor's Progress - Inspection of the London Stones, 30 June 2024

The influence and responsibility of the Lord Mayor of the City of London stretches well beyond the Square Mile. The City of London’s original jurisdiction over the River Thames started at a line to the west of Southend on the borders with Leigh, across the river to Yantlet Creek on the Isle of Grain.  The upper reach of the City’s jurisdiction is at Staines.  At each of these locations there is a stone obelisk marker.

The City’s claim to the river dates from when the City of London purchased the right from Richard I in 1197.  The City of London was able to charge tolls, control activities such as fishing on the river, and exercise other legal powers over river use, including navigation.  The City of London also controlled part of the River Medway to Upnor on the boundary with Rochester.

As the exact powers of the City and their ability to apply them to the River Thames and Medway were frequently in dispute, officials of the City continued to visit the stones regularly until the 19th century to claim control, including renewing the stone markers as evidence of their rights.  This tradition, which appears to have lapsed, was reinstituted by the 695^th Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli.

Over several days a flotilla of boats had made its way from the City up to a lock near Staines to inspect and mark the stone at Staines.  The Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, the Masters Water Conservator, Fueller, Distiller and Watermen and Lightermen and their Consorts joined a flotilla of large and small boats at Penton Hook Lock.  The Masters and Consorts had the privilege of joining the Jubilant, a royal rowing barge, to travel upriver to Staines

 On arrival at Staines, the Masters formed part of the Lord Mayor’s procession up the steps to the stone. We were carefully guided into a specific positon to the right of the stone for a short ceremony.

The Mayor of Spelthorne and his civic party greeted the Lord Mayor before the Lord Mayor explained the reason behind the visit and marked the stones with a sword provided for the purpose. Then all the Civic party, Masters and all the City guests were offered some of the Distillers’ Company’s lovely gin, kindly provided by the Master, used to toast the stone.

The combined parties then wound their way through the celebration festival and stalls on the riverside to the Spelthorne Museum where we saw the original stones and heard about the local history, which was fascinating.  We then slowly returned to the riverside talking to local groups as we went, including several Minions. The Master Distiller presented both Mayors with a bottle of the toasting gin.

 Meanwhile the flotilla of boats had all turned round and as the flotilla came back downstream we joined the Lord Mayor and Mayor of Spelthorne on board the Leonie to witness the sail past.  After the Mayor of Spelthorne and his Consort had departed, we had a leisurely lunch on board the Leonie as she slowly travelled down the river to Penton Hook.

It was a super day with lovely weather and great company.  Our grateful thanks to everyone involved in the organisation, especially the Clerk of the Watermen and Lightermen and the captain and crew of the Jubilant.