The Lord Mayor’s Tractor and Plough in the Lord Mayors Show

A massive Case IH Quadrac Tractor and Gregoire Besson Plough was seen parading through the streets of the City of London taking part in the Lord Mayor's Show, with the message: "British Farmers, growing our daily bread."

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Entered by the Worshipful Company of Farmers, it took part in the parade, as part of the 'Modern Livery Companies' exhibit. The Worshipful Company of Farmers- "Grant of Livery" approved in 1952- was formed with the aim of promoting a better understanding of the importance of food and farming in the City, and to stimulate the development of agricultural education and awareness of farming matters, both to the broader public and to people engaged in farming.

Marching with the impressive tractor and plough was the recently installed Master of the Farmers' Company, Thomas Copas, supported by Senior Warden John Thorpe and Company Steward Richard Halhead. Liveryman Lindsay Hargreaves carried the Farmers' banner, dressed in 'working attire', as shown on the Company's coat-of-arms. "We got a tremendous response from the crowd," reported Lindsay, " I think we must have been the one of the most photographed part of the parade with a huge cheer as we arrived at the grandstands and as the tractor and plough negotiated the thronging streets of the city".

The City of London is the beating heart of the British economy; its institutions drive almost everything we do. As Master, Tom Copas, commented" To have a farming display closely associated with the Lord Mayor makes a strong statement about the importance of food and farming to feeding the people of Britain and to the economic wellbeing of the country, particularly appropriate in this the 'Year of Food and Farming', which runs from September 2007 to July 2008". Mr Copas continued "Whilst the parade itself has strong links with the ancient traditions of the City, the machinery represents the very best of 21st century technology, putting British food production on a world platform. By taking part in the parade, livery companies are declaring allegiance to the Crown, the Lord Mayor, the City of London and all the people and institutions which rely on them."

The Lord Mayor's Show takes place every November, and is a parade of floats and displays which follows the Lord Mayor's ceremonial carriage through the streets of the city, starting at the Guildhall, pausing at St Paul's Cathedral and the Royal Courts of Justice, then returning via the Mansion House to the Guildhall.

The office of Lord Mayor of London dates from 1189 with the first Show in 1215. The show was initiated under the Charter of King John, who decreed that the Lord Mayor of London should 'swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown' and also that he 'should show himself to the people'. So each year, the new Lord Mayor processes through the City, followed by his supporters.

Alderman David Lewis was installed at the Guildhall as Lord Mayor on Friday 9th November. On Saturday 10th he 'showed himself to the people' and 'swore an oath of allegiance to the Crown'. He is the 680th person to be Lord Mayor of the City of London.