GALLERY: One of Britain's oldest surviving military ceremonies held at historic Warwick landmark
By Nadia Sayed 7th Aug 2026
Members of the public were given a rare opportunity to witness one of Britain's oldest surviving military ceremonies in Warwick.
The Lord Leycester officially welcomed its newest 'Brother' earlier this week.
The historic landmark opened the doors of its Chapel of St James on Wednesday 5 August for the robing ceremony of Brother Stephen, a centuries-old tradition that has marked the induction of new Brethren since the charity was founded in the reign of Elizabeth I.

Taking place as part of the monthly Brethren's Prayers - which were opened to the public for the first time earlier this year - the ceremony saw the newest member of the Lord Leycester community formally robed and welcomed into the fellowship of military veterans who have called the medieval site home for more than 450 years.

For the first time, visitors were able to experience this unique piece of living history for themselves, with the opportunity to sign up for free tickets to attend the ceremony.
Daren Bowyer, Master of the Lord Leycester, shared: "This is one of the most important ceremonies in the life of the Lord Leycester and a tradition that has been passed down through generations of Brethren. While many people visit us to admire the historic buildings, what makes the Lord Leycester truly special is that it is a piece of living history where these traditions continue centuries after they were started."

He continued: "Opening this ceremony to the public gives people the opportunity to experience history as it has unfolded here for centuries and to witness the moment a new Brother is officially welcomed into our community."
The Lord Leycester is believed to be one of the oldest veterans' charities in the world, having provided a home for military veterans continuously for more than 450 years.

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