Port of London Authority

The Tudor Pull

The Tudor Pull is a ceremonial event for Thames Watermen's Cutters which is organised by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association (TTRA) in May each Watermen's Cutters take part in the Tudor Pullyear.

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' to the Governor of the Tower for safekeeping. The 'Stela' is a piece of medieval water pipe made from a hollowed tree trunk which stands on a base of timber from the old Richmond Lock and bears the coat of arms of the Waterman's Company.

The cutters are rigged with full ceremonial canopies and flags and are rowed with four oars by fully-liveried crews. In keeping with the traditions of the Watermen's Cutters, a passenger must be carried.

The 'Stela' is handed over to the Governor of the Tower of LondonThe next Tudor Pull will take place on Sunday 1st June 2008.

For more information about the Tudor Pull and the 'Jubilant' visit the TTRA website (opens in a new window).


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