The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames

The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to control the W

With the reopening of the riverside park in Limehouse, we can view the remarkable sculptures by Hew Locke.Three years ag...
03/08/2026

With the reopening of the riverside park in Limehouse, we can view the remarkable sculptures by Hew Locke.

Three years ago, while developing his sculpture of a traditional sailing barge, Hew Locke spoke about his wish to pay tribute not only to London's maritime heritage but also to the Free Watermen of the River Thames and the historic Company of Watermen & Lightermen that has served the river for centuries.

It's wonderful to see these works accessible after a long long wait, connecting us with the rich history, people, and stories of the Thames.

We are pleased to confirm the stations and colours for this year’s Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager. Following the draw h...
09/07/2026

We are pleased to confirm the stations and colours for this year’s Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager. Following the draw held at Fishmongers’ Hall yesterday, stations and colours have been allocated:

🔴 Station 1 – Red: Freeman, Charlie Milward
🟠 Station 2 – Orange: Apprentice, Callum Howard
🟢 Station 3 – Green: Freeman, Jack Finelli

Stations and colours for Charlie and Jack were drawn in their absence.

Congratulations to all competitors, we wish them the very best for the challenge ahead.

Today marks an exciting day as we gather this afternoon for the draw for the 2026 Doggett's Coat & Badge Wager at Fishmo...
08/07/2026

Today marks an exciting day as we gather this afternoon for the draw for the 2026 Doggett's Coat & Badge Wager at Fishmongers Company, where this year's competitors will choose their racing stations and colours.

The draw will be followed by our July Court and Dinner, back at Watermen's Hall during which five new Freemen will be admitted to the Company.

Here's to honouring our proud traditions, celebrating new members, and looking ahead to another memorable Doggett's Coat & Badge Wager in September.

Following the annual service at Seething Lane and the Knollys Rose ceremony at Mansion House on Tuesday, we were delight...
03/07/2026

Following the annual service at Seething Lane and the Knollys Rose ceremony at Mansion House on Tuesday, we were delighted to welcome The Lady Mayor, The Right Honourable, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE, and Mayoral Consort, Mark Langley, to Watermen's Hall for lunch, where they were warmly received by the Master, Sean Collins HMW.

The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the enduring traditions of the City of London and the strong and longstanding ties with our Company.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day such an enjoyable and memorable occasion.

📸 Photo: Chrysoulla Photography

At the end of April, the Thames TTRA - Thames Traditional Rowing Association held the Tudor Pull. King’s Bargemaster Chr...
22/05/2026

At the end of April, the Thames TTRA - Thames Traditional Rowing Association held the Tudor Pull.

King’s Bargemaster Chris Livett, together with the Royal Watermen rowing Jubliant, brought the Stela from Hampton Court to Tower Bridge along the River Thames.

Master Sean Collins was aboard Jubliant, whilst Company Bargemaster Robbie Coleman coxed The Lady Mayoress with a crew of Freemen and apprentices.

You will be able to catch our Company boats at more upcoming events later this year, including the Admiral of the Port and the Port of London Challenge.

Past Masters’ Lunch today and lovely to see so many familiar faces, along with a few we haven’t seen for a while.12 Past...
18/05/2026

Past Masters’ Lunch today and lovely to see so many familiar faces, along with a few we haven’t seen for a while.

12 Past Masters joined Master Sean Collins for this annual get together. Pictured left to right are:

Past Master Richard Goddard, Past Master Ted Gradosielski, Past Master Emeritus Brian Wheeler, Past Master Emeritus Andrew Howard, Past Master Richard Springford, Master Sean Collins, Past Master Iain Reid, Past Master Emeritus Bob Crouch, Past Master Rass Randall, Past Master David Gordon, Past Master Derek Mann, Past Master Emeritus Dave Allen and Past Master Emeritus Ken Dwan.

A room full of knowledge, experience and memories.

As I sit writing this post, our annual Senior Lightermen’s Lunch is taking place upstairs in the Freemen’s Room.While th...
15/05/2026

As I sit writing this post, our annual Senior Lightermen’s Lunch is taking place upstairs in the Freemen’s Room.

While the numbers around the table may grow smaller with time, the stories shared and the photo albums laid out remain as colourful, engaging, and important as ever. Absent friends have been fondly remembered, and from my office below I can still hear the laughter and conversation that have long been such a valued part of this event.

These afternoons remind us why preserving our history and traditions matters so much. It’s more than memories; it’s a legacy built on friendship, family, and life on the River that must continue to be cherished and passed on to future generations.

Above all, they reflect the enduring spirit of the river family for which this Company stands.

Yesterday afternoon, the Master, Sean Collins, joined by Junior Warden, David Beard and led by Bargemaster, Robbie Colem...
15/05/2026

Yesterday afternoon, the Master, Sean Collins, joined by Junior Warden, David Beard and led by Bargemaster, Robbie Coleman, and Doggett’s winners Riess Ballard and Coran Cherry, took part in Beating the Bounds.

This annual Ascension Day celebration, held with All Hallows by the Tower, is a long-standing tradition marking the historic parish boundaries along the River Thames. The ceremony included the customary procession on the river, prayers, and the symbolic “beating” of the boundaries, helping to preserve the memory of the parish limits for future generations.

An afternoon celebrating heritage, tradition, and our enduring connection with the River.

Yesterday, the Dolphin Committee (formerly known as the Ladies’ Committee) hosted their Annual Floral Lunch.Guest speake...
15/05/2026

Yesterday, the Dolphin Committee (formerly known as the Ladies’ Committee) hosted their Annual Floral Lunch.

Guest speaker was Pippa Greenwood, the English plant pathologist and well-known television and radio presenter. Pippa regularly appears on the BBC’s long-running programme Gardeners’ World and has been a familiar voice on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time since 1994.

Thank you to the committee for all their fundraising efforts to support Watermen's Hall Preservation Trust. We hope you had a lovely afternoon and well done to those who won raffle prizes!

It’s been a busy week at Watermen's Hall.We began with the Court of Binding, where four new apprentices were admitted to...
15/05/2026

It’s been a busy week at Watermen's Hall.

We began with the Court of Binding, where four new apprentices were admitted to the Company. Charlie Wilson, Frank Wilson, Malindi Carson and Jervell Stephenson-Cadette.

This was followed by the Court of Admissions, at which three new Freemen were admitted. Dean Smith by Servitude, Paul Hicks and Claire Talbot (née Pettitt) both by Patrimony.

A warm welcome to you all, and congratulations on this important milestone, as you begin your future connections with our Company and of course the river Thames.

Address

16-18 Street Mary-at-Hill
London
EC3R8EF

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+442072832373

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