Spring 2024 - Events to look forward to

As we enter March and thoughts turn towards spring and the much-anticipated warmer weather, we at the Guild of Mercers Scholars have our own programme of events over the coming months for our members to look forward to. Details of the varied events taking place are given below.

We hope you will find something that interests you. Be aware that we have had strong demand for certain events and we recommend that you book in as soon as possible to secure your place.

For those of you disappointed not to obtain a ticket for our Sheep Drive on Sunday 29 September, we are pleased to announce that a further batch of 10 tickets have been secured for a drive taking place shortly after our first drive on the day. We expect these to be sold very quickly and suggest that you reserve your spot as soon as you can using the booking link below. 

Saturday 13th April 2024 at 11:30am – Tour of the Old Operating Theatre - 9a St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY

A visit to the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe. Discover this unique chapter in the history of medicine and surgery, located in the early eighteenth-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital. Tickets cost only £9 per person for adults and £7 for over 60s and students. Our tour at 11:30am will be followed by lunch (at individual cost), with the day concluding at 2pm.

Book here

Our Past Master Tony Paice will host an evening discussing his recently published book ‘Overkill or Underkill’, covering his personal involvement in the events surrounding the Gulf War and the Iraqi takeover of Kuwait in 1990. Of particular interest will be the seizure of British Airways Flight 149 and the hundreds of passengers which were taken hostage. Join us at the Guildhall in London for what is sure to be a fascinating look back at events which continue to have an impact today, especially the lives of those held hostage for months in Iraq. Light refreshments will be served from 6:15pm, with the talk commencing at 6:30pm. The evening is due to conclude at 7:45pm. For Court members, the talk will take place following the conclusion of the Lady Day court meeting.

Book here

Thursday 16th May 2024 at 6:30pm for 7pm - Virtual clay pigeon shooting with the Guild of Young Freemen – Clays Bar, 55 Moorgate, London EC2R 6LL

Aimed at our younger guildsmen and apprentices, enjoy an evening of light competition with the Young Freemen of the City at virtual clay pigeon shooting. No experience necessary, just turn up and enjoy a fun, relaxed night in the City.

The evening will start off with a 'sloegasm' cocktail at 6:30pm 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.

Book here 

Friday 7 June 2024 at 10:50am for 11am - Tour of the Middle Temple and the Royal Courts of Justice

Join us on for a tour into the heart of legal London for only £29 per person. Our visit to the Middle Temple, one of four Inns of Court to which barristers must belong, will feature an expert tour of the highlights of this ancient institution including the famous hammerbeam roof of Middle Temple Hall. Lunch at individual cost will follow, before we resume our exploration with a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice at 2pm. A journey through the architecture and history of this magnificent building will following, 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.

Book here

May 2024 - Tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground - St John's Wood Rd, London NW8 8QN

Go behind the scenes at the ‘home of cricket’, steeped in over 200 years of history and tradition. An expert guide will take us through some of the most iconic parts of the ground including the Grade II*-listed Victorian Pavilion, the world-famous Long Room, the Players’ Dressing Rooms, and the MCC Museum, home of the Ashes Urn – cricket’s best-known artefact. Date and time to be confirmed.

June 2024 – Armourers' Hall Tour

A look into the past and splendour of the Armourers' Hall. The Armourers and Brasiers’ Company have occupied the same site in the City of London at 81 Coleman Street continuously since 1346. The present hall, rebuilt in 1841, is a marvel of Victorian Gothic architecture and hosts a Company dedicated to charitable support of cutting-edge metallurgy. Our tour, hosted by the former Clerk of the Company, will delve into the Company's past including lucky escapes from both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz. The exact date of our tour is to be confirmed, but it would begin at 11am and last for approximately 90 minutes. The ticket price of £20 per person includes tea, coffee and biscuits. Following the tour, lunch will be had nearby at individual cost.

Saturday 6th July 2024 at 11am - Fighter Command at Bentley Priory - 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. Aan 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 at individual cost. There will then be the opportunity to further explore the house and gardens at your leisure. Tickets cost only £8 per person for adults and £7 for over 60s and students.

Book here

Sunday 29 September 2024 at 11:30 / 11:37am - Sheep Drive - Southwark Bridge

After the success of the Guild’s inaugural participation in the City’s Sheep Drive, why not join us in September 2024 and take part in the unique opportunity to exercise your ancient right as a Freemen of the City of London and herd sheep into the City of London. 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. 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. Tickets are £65 each with the proceeds going to the Lord Mayor's chosen charities. This event is open to Freemen of the City of London and their guests.

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).

Book here