General Lord Houghton, former Chief of the Defence Staff of British Armed Forces (CDS 2013-2016) in his role of Constable of the Tower of London honoured the Gunmakers’ Company with a visit on 10th October. On arrival he was given a tour of the workshops and proofing bays by the Proof Master Richard Mabbitt. The Master in welcoming Lord Houghton at lunch drew attention to the important and historic relationship between the Tower of London and the Gunmakers’ Company, a mere fifteen minutes’ walk away, not only as a royal palace but also because of the shared expertise which has traditionally passed back and forth between the Royal Armouries and the Proof House. At one time the Constable of the Tower was the most powerful man in England after the Monarch and indeed still maintains very close links to Her Majesty, standing to her left as her Sword Bearer while she read the Queen’s speech at the State Opening of Parliament a few days later. The Master, having just taken part in sheep driving over London Bridge, also mentioned the Constable’s ancient right to collect up all sheep that fell off London Bridge as food for the table at the Tower. Lord Houghton responded most amusingly about the history and role of a Constable before proposing the toast of the Company.
