Lord Mayor of London facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lord Mayor of London |
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 Alastair King since 8 November 2024 |
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| Style | My Lord Mayor The Right Honourable |
| Residence | Mansion House, EC4 |
| Appointer | Electors: Aldermen |
| Term length | One year |
| Inaugural holder | Sir Henry FitzAlan |
| Formation | 1189 |
| Salary | None (pro bono) |
The Lord Mayor of London is a very old and important leader for the City of London. This area is the historic heart of London, known for its financial businesses. The Lord Mayor is like the main boss of the City of London Corporation, which is the local government for this special part of London.
This job is different from the Mayor of London. The Mayor of London leads the much larger area called Greater London. The Lord Mayor of London focuses only on the small, historic City of London. It is one of the oldest elected jobs in the world, started way back in 1189!
The Lord Mayor is elected every year. They take office in November during a special event called 'The Silent Ceremony'. The day after, there's a big parade called the Lord Mayor's Show. This parade celebrates the new Lord Mayor.
The main job of the Lord Mayor today is to speak for and support the businesses and people in the City of London. Many of these businesses are in finance. The Lord Mayor also has important ceremonial duties and attends many events. They often travel to other countries to promote British businesses.
Alastair King is the 696th Lord Mayor, serving from 2024 to 2025.
Contents
What is the Lord Mayor's Title?
The Lord Mayor of London has a special title: "The Right Honourable." This means they are given great respect. Only a few other city leaders in the UK, like the Lord Mayors of York or Cardiff, share this special title.
If a woman holds the job, she is still called "Lord Mayor." If a male Lord Mayor is married, his wife is called the Lady Mayoress. If a female Lord Mayor is married, her husband does not get a special title. A female Lord Mayor can choose another woman to be her Lady Mayoress. When you speak to a Lord Mayor, you say "My Lord Mayor."
It used to be a tradition for Lord Mayors to become knights when they started their job. After they finished, they might even become a baronet. This tradition has changed over time. Now, they usually become knights after their term ends.
A Look at the Lord Mayor's History
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The job of mayor in London started in 1189. The very first mayor was Henry Fitz-Ailwin de Londonestone. In 1215, King John gave the City of London a special paper called a royal charter. This paper said that the City could choose its own mayor, instead of the king picking one.
The title "Lord Mayor" began in 1354. King Edward III gave this title to Thomas Legge, who was serving as mayor at the time.
Lord Mayors serve for one year. They usually do not serve more than one year in a row. However, many people have been mayor or Lord Mayor multiple times. For example:
- Henry fitz Ailwin was mayor for 24 terms!
- Richard Whittington, also known as 'Dick' Whittington, was Lord Mayor 4 times.
- Dame Mary Donaldson was the first woman to hold the office in 1983. Dame Fiona Woolf was the second in 2013.
Since 1435, the Lord Mayor has always been chosen from a group of leaders called aldermen of the City of London.
How is the Lord Mayor Chosen?
The Lord Mayor is chosen at a special meeting called Common Hall. This meeting happens at Guildhall around September 29th each year. People who belong to the City's old trade groups, called livery companies, get to vote. They vote by raising their hands.
To become Lord Mayor, a person must first have been a City sheriff and also be a current alderman. Sheriffs are chosen each year. Aldermen are elected by the people in each of the City's 25 areas, called wards.
The new Lord Mayor is officially sworn in during a ceremony in November. This event is called the "Silent Ceremony" because there are no speeches, except for a short promise from the new Lord Mayor. At this ceremony, the old Lord Mayor passes important symbols to the new one. These symbols include the City's seal, a special purse, the sword, and a mace.
The Lord Mayor's Show
The day after being sworn in, the new Lord Mayor leads a huge parade. This parade goes from the City of London to the Royal Courts of Justice in Westminster. There, the Lord Mayor promises loyalty to the King or Queen. This parade is called the "Lord Mayor's Show" and is one of London's oldest and most popular yearly events.
The Lord Mayor rides in a grand state coach that was built in 1757. The parade is like a big party with traditional British displays and a carnival feel. It happens on the second Saturday in November. Many groups take part, including livery companies, bands, military members, charities, and schools. In the evening, there is a fireworks show.
What Does the Lord Mayor Do?
The Lord Mayor is a key member of the City of London Corporation, which runs the City of London. The Lord Mayor leads two important groups within the Corporation: the Court of Aldermen and the Court of Common Council.
The main job of the Lord Mayor is to represent and promote the UK's financial services industry. They do this by hosting important visitors from other countries, like government leaders and business people. They also travel abroad to encourage investment in Britain.
The Lord Mayor hosts special dinners where important government figures give big speeches. For example, the Prime Minister speaks at the Lord Mayor's Banquet. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (who handles the country's money) gives a speech at the Banker's Dinner. The Foreign Secretary speaks at the Easter Banquet. These events are held at the Lord Mayor's home, Mansion House.
The Lord Mayor also has many other roles. They are the chief judge of the City of London and the Admiral of the Port of London. They are also the head of City, University of London and a trustee of St Paul's Cathedral.
Special Rights and Privileges
The Lord Mayor lives in a grand building called Mansion House. It was first used by a Lord Mayor in 1752. The Lord Mayor's official car is a special Rolls-Royce Phantom VI.
At the Old Bailey, which is a famous court, a special seat is saved for the Lord Mayor. This shows their role as the chief judge of the City.
There's a story that the Lord Mayor can stop the King or Queen from entering the City of London. This isn't quite true. When the King or Queen enters the City, the Lord Mayor performs a ceremony. They present a special sword, called the Pearl Sword, to the monarch. This is a symbol of respect, showing that the monarch is the ultimate leader. The monarch doesn't need permission to enter.
The Lord Mayor also has a special place in important royal events. For example, at the ceremony where a new King or Queen is announced, the Lord Mayor and aldermen of London are included.
Official Clothes of the Lord Mayor
On formal occasions, the Lord Mayor wears special black velvet clothes. These include a coat, waistcoat, and knee breeches with shiny buttons. They also wear black silk stockings and special shoes. This outfit is worn by all Lord Mayors, whether they are male or female.
When outside, they wear a black hat with ostrich feathers. This hat is made especially for each new Lord Mayor.
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Since 1545, the Lord Mayor has worn a special chain called the Royal Livery Collar of Esses. This collar has 28 'S' shapes, Tudor roses, and knots from the Garter. A special jewel hangs from it. The Lord Mayor wears this collar over their other clothes.
Robes for Different Occasions
The Lord Mayor has several robes for different events:
- Scarlet and Violet Gowns: These are similar to what other aldermen wear, but they are longer. The violet robe is for most formal meetings, and the scarlet robe is for special days.
- Crimson Velvet Robe: For state occasions when the King or Queen is present, the Lord Mayor wears a crimson velvet robe. It has an ermine cape and looks like a royal robe.
- Black Silk Damask Robe: For other ceremonial events, the Lord Mayor wears a black silk robe with gold lace. It is called the Entertaining Gown.
- Coronation Robe: For coronations, the Lord Mayor wears a special scarlet wool robe with gold lace and ermine. They also carry a Crystal Sceptre. After the coronation, they get to keep this robe.
- Plain Black Gown: In times of national sadness, the Lord Mayor wears a simple black gown.
Images for kids
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The Lord Mayor wearing the coronation robe and carrying the Crystal Sceptre at George IV's coronation
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The scarlet robe, with train
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The Entertaining Robe
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Lord Mayor Russell's personal arms
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Lord Mayor Mainelli's personal arms
See also
In Spanish: Lord alcalde de Londres para niños
- Mayor of London
- Town Clerk of London
- Chamberlain of London
- City status in the United Kingdom
- List of lord mayoralties and lord provostships in the United Kingdom
- Lord Mayor of Dublin
