The noise knocked down the Chief Yeoman and one of the Warder escorts. Bombs fell on the Victorian guardroom just as the party was coming through the Bloody Tower Archway. During World War II there was an air raid on London. This ancient ceremony was interrupted only once since the 14th century. At the top of the stairs, the Tower Guard presents arms and the Chief Warder raises his hat and proclaims, “God preserve Queen Elizabeth.” The sentry replies, “Amen!” Afterward, the keys are taken to the Queen’s House for safekeeping and the Last Post is sounded. exactly and are challenged by a sentry with a bayonet who cries loudly, “Who comes here?” The reply by the Chief is, “The Keys.” “Whose keys?” “Queen Elizabeth’s keys.” “Pass, Queen Elizabeth’s keys, and all is well.” The party passes through the Bloody Tower Archway into the fortress and halts at the Broadway Steps. The Chief Yeoman Warder at 9:53 meets his escort warders and they walk to the gates. “Even today, every night of the year, the Queen’s Keys are carried in great ceremony to lock up the gates of the Tower.
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