Events

Pétanque and drinks with the Guild of Young Freemen and the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights

Social

• Thu 16th May 2024
• 19:00

Physical event

• Baranis, 115 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PP

Aimed at our younger guildsmen and apprentices, enjoy an evening of petanque and some light competition with the Young Freemen of the City of London and the Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights. Baranis in Chancery Lane is a chic cocktail bar with a difference, specialising in Riviera-inspired cocktails and based in the vaulted cellar of an old auction house.

The ticket price of £30 includes pre-ordered nibbles and drinks to fuel us through a few rounds of petanque - a form of boules which is played on sand.

The bar features a large list of cocktails and a variety of delicious food and we will enjoy exclusive use of the mezzanine area.  No prior experience necessary, just turn up and enjoy a entertaining and relaxed night in the City.

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

Available options:

Petanque with nibbles and drinks: Price £30.00: Last booking date Thu 09th May 2024 09:00 pm

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 25th Apr 2024 11:05 pm

Tour of Armourers' Hall

Tour

• Tue 18th Jun 2024
• 11:00

Physical event

• 81 Coleman Street, London EC2R 5BJ

A look into the past and splendour of Armourers' Hall. Based on the same site since 1346 and one of the few to escape the Great Fire of London, the Hall was rebuilt in the 19th century in Victorian Gothic splendour. Recently refurbished, the Hall is filled with stunning rooms of historic interest and tells the tale of the evolution of the Armourers and Brasiers' Company from its ancient roots into a modern livery company supporting a variety of charitable causes. The former Clerk to the Company will guide us through the history of the Company and its hall over the centuries. The ticket price of £20 per person includes tea coffee and biscuits. Following the tour we will enjoy lunch at the Globe pub nearby at individual cost. 

Available options:

Tour : Price £20.00: Last booking date Tue 18th Jun 2024 12:00 pm

Midsummers Day Annual Meeting 2024

AGM

• Thu 04th Jul 2024
• 18:30

Physical event

• Guildhall

Annual Meeting

Available options:

This event is FREE

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

Tour of Lord’s Cricket Ground

Tour

• Sat 07th Sep 2024
• 11:00

Physical event

• St John's Wood Rd, London NW8 8QN

On Saturday 7 September 2024, join us as go behind the scenes at the ‘home of cricket’, steeped in over 200 years of history and tradition. Experience some of the arguably most inspiring views in sport accompanied by an expert guide. Starting at 11am, we will experience some of the most iconic parts of the ground on our tour of this historic complex, 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.

The tour will last approximately 1 hour 40 minutes and will be follwed by lunch at the Lord's Tavern a few steps away from the ground (at individual cost).

Available options:

Tour of Lord's Cricket Ground - adult: Price £30.00: Last booking date Wed 01st May 2024 09:00 pm

Tour of Lord's Cricket Ground - over 60s : Price £24.00: Last booking date Wed 01st May 2024 09:00 pm

Tour of Lord's Cricket Ground - students (ID required) : Price £24.00: Last booking date Wed 01st May 2024 09:00 pm

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