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This image was found in a collection that suggests that it is likely to be in London, perhaps 1930 or a bit earlier. It may be the laying of a foundation stone. We'd like to identify the event. Are any of the people identifiable? Especially the chap with the big beard turning to his right.

unknown London ceremony; men in clerical costume, beards, tophats

Thanks!

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    The gentleman in the lower right is wearing a distinctive chain; could be masonic or civic insignia. Appear to be naval officers in the lower left facing away. There is a man with a fore and aft hat in the center right background. Are any of these clues for more skilled anglophiles than I?
    – MCW ♦
    Commented Jun 25, 2021 at 13:35
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    Could be the Lord Mayor rather than one of the boroughs (or another city entirely) - hard to say. The man next to the macebearer seems to have a sword (which would fit as well) and the collar could plausibly be the Mayor's regalia, but it's not detailed enough to say for sure it's London and not somewhere else.
    – Andrew is gone
    Commented Jun 25, 2021 at 15:33
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    No accusation, but: If you are unable to provide a higher res pic: why? It has quite the compression & res issues. IE, If no new photo, or preferably scan, can come forward: where did this pic come from? The more info you can provide, the better any research will go.
    – LаngLаngС
    Commented Jun 25, 2021 at 20:45
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    Why do yoiu think it is 1930s by various things e.g. crowds' hats I would have thought pre WW1 and possibly earlier.
    – mmmmmm
    Commented Jun 25, 2021 at 22:36
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    I have no higher resolution image because the scan was provided 12 years ago by a relative, while we were researching family history, and the original is now lost. It was speculated that the "builder" in the picture was our grandfather. His business flourished in Aldgate, London, from 1925 until about 1930. We have no late photos of him: it may not be him. My original title said "1930-ish" and somebody edited it to say 1930s. The speculation here that it is earlier is very credible. If it is pre-WWI, then it is definitely not our grandfather. Thanks for all the ideas!
    – emrys57
    Commented Jun 28, 2021 at 8:37

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