Red roses presented to Lord Mayor on Midsummer day, ancient city ceremony. The ancient ceremony of the presentation of a red rose to the Lord Mayor of London was carried out at the Mansion house on Midsummer day by senior city,members of the Toc H. The ceremony dates from the 14th century when Sir Robert Knollys, a veteran warrior, renowned for his prowess, riding down from Seething Lane to the Guildhall, bore with him a red rose, fresh plucked, as the appointed tributes in return for privileges to the Lord Mayor upon the feast of St John the Baptist. Photo shows, Maj F V Drake, chairman of the London East Area of Toc H, presenting the red Rose, 'as fine as is to be had in London', to the Lord Mayor, Sir George Broadbridge, upon the altar cushion of All Hallows, Barking by the Tower, the Church to which Sir Robert Knollys was benefactor. 24 June 1937