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Events

April 2024

Sat 13th Apr 2024

Tour of the Old Operating Theatre

Tour
  • Sat 13th Apr 2024
  • 11:30

Physical event
  • Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

Join us on Saturday 13 April for a visit to the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe, situated in the heart of London. Discover this unique part of the history of medicine and surgery located in the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas Hospital. Originally used as a garret (attic space) for the hospital's apothecary to dry herbs for medicines, in 1822 the space was modified to include a women's operating theatre. Following redevelopment of the site, the garret was boarded up and left forgotten for almost 100 years before its rediscovery in 1956.


Starting at 11:30am, on our self-guided tour we will discover the history of the building and the rough and ready nature of healthcare in mid-19th century London. The museum offers a snapshot of a different era, a time when epidemics were common and where common hygienic practices were only beginning to be adopted. Following our tour, we will enjoy lunch nearby, with the event due to draw to a close at approximately 2pm. Tickets cost only £9 per person for adults and £7 for over 60s and students to join us for what is sure to be a fascinating look into the past of Victorian London. Please note that lunch will be payable at individual cost. 


 Please note that the Museum is in the attic space of a 320 year old church with the entrance via a 52-step narrow spiral staircase. Further details regarding access can be found here: https://oldoperatingtheatre.com/access/ 




Available options:

Tour: Price £8.00: Last booking date Thu 04th Apr 2024 09:00 pm


Places Remaining: 18

Thu 18th Apr 2024

Speaker Series - Tony Paice - 'Overkill or Underkill'

Social
  • Thu 18th Apr 2024
  • 18:15

Physical event
  • Guildhall, 71 Basinghall St, London EC2V 7HH

Note: Our provisional event is now live! If you have previously made a reservation, you should receive an email to notify you that payment is now available.


The Master and Court of the Guild of Mercers Scholars invite you to a discussion by our Past Master Tony Paice regarding his recently published book, ‘Overkill or Underkill’.  Covering the events surrounding the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait in 1990 during the Gulf War, Tony Paice will speak from his own personal experience of the events leading up to the conflict breaking out. 

 

A former Foreign Service officer who was in Kuwait at the time of invasion, Tony brings a unique perspective to the history of the conflict. Of particular interest will be the events surrounding the seizure of British Airways Flight 149 and the hundreds of passengers taken hostage by the Iraqi forces.

 

Taking place at the Guildhall on Thursday 18 April, the evening will begin with light refreshments from 6:15pm, shortly after the conclusion of the Lady Day court meeting. The talk will commence at 6:30pm, and after a 40-45 minute presentation the guests are invited to ask questions of Tony, enjoy the drinks available and each other's company until the evening concludes at approximately 7:45pm. Tickets for the evening will cost £20 per person.

 Be sure to book in for an enlightening evening concerning a chapter of history which is not widely know of today, but had a sizable impact on later Western involvements in the Middle East.




Available options:

Talk with canapes and drinks : Price £20.00: Last booking date Sun 14th Apr 2024 09:00 pm


Places Remaining: 49

May 2024

Thu 16th May 2024

Virtual Clay Pigeon Shooting with the Guild of Young Freemen

Social
  • Thu 16th May 2024
  • 18:30

Physical event
  • Clays Bar, 55 Moorgate, London EC2R 6LL

Aimed at our younger guildsmen and apprentices, enjoy an evening of virtual clay pigeon shooting and some light competition with the Young Freemen of the City of London. Clays Bar in Moorgate specialises in providing a high quality virtual shooting experience in a relaxed setting, with fun and interactive target games on large screens. The bar features a large list of cocktails and variety of delicious food. No prior shooting experience necessary, just turn up and enjoy a entertaining and relaxed night in the City.


 Arriving at 6:30pm, the evening will start off with a 'sloegasm' cocktail before we are split into teams for each shooting 'peg'. The ticket price of £30 includes pre-ordered nibbles and drinks which will be delivered to each peg. There is the option of ordering further food and drink at individual cost.


 The Mercers Scholars are limited to 20 attendees, so be sure to book in advance to secure your interest. 



Available options:

Virtual clay pigeon shooting with nibbles and drinks: Price £30.00: Last booking date Thu 09th May 2024 09:00 pm


Places Remaining: 20

June 2024

Fri 07th Jun 2024

Legal London: Tour of the Middle Temple and the Royal Courts of Justice

Tour
  • Fri 07th Jun 2024
  • 10:50

Physical event
  • Middle Temple Lane, Temple, London EC4Y 9BT

Join us on Friday 7 June 2024 for a tour in the heart of legal London as we visit the Middle Temple, one of four Inns of Court to which barristers must belong and the Royal Courts of Justice, home of the Court of Appeal. Guests should arrive at 10:50am at the entrance to the Middle Temple, in advance of our tour at 11am of this centuries-old historic complex. We will be led by an expert guide who will enlighten us about the past of the main aspects of the Middle Temple, a highlight of which will include the famous Middle Temple Hall. This 16th century building features a magnificent double-hammer beam roof completed in 1573, under which the first-recorded performance of the Shakespearean play Twelfth Night is said to have taken place.

Guests should note that the Middle Temple observes a dress code and attendees should wear smart casual dress on the day. By way of further guidance, the Middle Temple state: ...the dress code is less formal than business/lounge suit, but means specifically no jeans or trainers. For example trousers/skirt with a smart top, a dress, or trousers with a button-down shirt and jacket. A tie is optional. Shoes should be smart.

The tour will last approximately an hour and we will then break for lunch, weather permitting, in the tranquil surrounds of the Middle Temple Gardens. Lunch will be at the choice and cost of the guests, with plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs available nearby for a bite to eat.

The Royal Courts of Justice are situated on the Strand, a short walk from the Middle Temple. We will reconvene in the entrance hall of the Courts at 1:50pm for a 2pm tour of this splendid Victorian building. Our tour will delve into its architecture and history, including some of the famous cases heard in the 140 years that justice has been dispensed in its halls. The day should conclude at approximately 3:15pm.

This fascinating day out in the heart of the legal profession in the City costs £ 29 per person. 



Available options:

Tour of Middle Temple and Royal Courts of Justice : Price £29.00: Last booking date Thu 28th Mar 2024 03:11 pm


Places Remaining: 18

July 2024

Thu 04th Jul 2024

Midsummers Day Annual Meeting 2024

AGM
  • Thu 04th Jul 2024
  • 18:30

Physical event
  • Guildhall

Annual Meeting


Available options:

This event is FREE


Places Remaining: 30

Sat 06th Jul 2024

Tour of Fighter Command at Bentley Priory

Tour
  • Sat 06th Jul 2024
  • 11:00

Physical event
  • Mansion House Drive, Stanmore, London HA7 3FB

The home of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain, join us as we look into the story of ‘The Few’ who defended the skies in early World War Two and ‘the Many’, the ground crew without whose work on the ground victory would not have been possible.


Arriving at 11am, an expert guide will take us through the historic house of Bentley Priory, telling us the story of the origins of the building and the important role it played in the Second World War. Lunch will follow the tour, this being at individual cost, after which there will be the opportunity for further individual exploration of the house and grounds.


Tickets cost only £8 per person for adults and £7 for over 60s and students.




Available options:

Tour - adults : Price £8.00: Last booking date Sat 06th Jul 2024 12:00 am

Tour - over 60s and students: Price £7.00: Last booking date Sat 06th Jul 2024 12:00 am


Places Remaining: 14

September 2024

Sun 29th Sep 2024

Driving Sheep in London - Sheep Drive 2024

Social
  • Sun 29th Sep 2024
  • 11:00

Physical event
  • Southwark Bridge, London

Following strong demand for places, we have been able to secure a further 10 tickets for a further sheep drive at 11:37am. Tickets have previously sold exceptionally fast and so we recommend that you reserve your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 


The Master invites you to join him in the City of London to drive sheep across the Thames on Sunday 29th September 2024. A unique day out and a privilege to Freemen of the City of London and their guests. Historically this privileged right permitted Freemen to drive their sheep into the City without paying an admission toll. Today, the Drive is a fundraiser for the Lord Mayor's chosen charities. Hosted by the Worshipful Company of Woolmen, liveries and guilds are sure to be out in force for this important day in the social calendar of the City of London. This event is open to Freemen of the City of London and their guests.


After the success of the inaugural participation of the Guild in the Sheep Drive last year, why not join us this year to take part in this unique opportunity to herd sheep over Southwark Bridge.


The drive will take place at 11:30am, with participants required to assemble at the designated waiting point approximately 30 minutes beforehand. This is reflected in the start time shown above. Further details on timings will follow closer to the date.


Following the drive, we will have the opportunity to visit the Livery Fair to purchase crafts made by specialist wool and textile artisans, witness demonstrations by the skilled tradespeople and enjoy a bite to eat (at individual cost).


The Sheep Drive is a key event in the City's calendar and a major occasion for its livery companies. All those who have received their Freedom and become Guildmen are welcome to register. Participants are permitted and encouraged to bring guests to support them in exercising their ancient rights on this special day.


The ticket price will be £ 65 per person, with all proceeds going to The Woolmen Charity and The Lord Mayors Appeal. Only 10 tickets are available for this unique day out and do sell quickly, so we recommend that you reserve your place early.



Available options:

Sheep Drive : Price £65.00: Last booking date Sun 22nd Sep 2024 12:00 am


Places Remaining: 0