The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

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The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Guild of Freemen of the City of London, Community Organization, Rooms 78/79 65 London Wall, London.

Membership is open to all Freemen of the City of London, regardless of nationality, gender or religion, and our membership is drawn from all over the world, bound by a common interest in the City of London and the welfare and education of its citizens.

10/07/2026

This year's Summer black tie dinner was held at the stunning Armourers Hall. It was preceeded by a joining ceremony for 25 new members at our spiritual home, Tallow Chandlers Hall with welcome drinks hosted in their courtyard. A brief trip across the Square Mile of London brought us to Armourers Hall and a wonderful sparkling reception. The dinner was help in the main dining hall, surrounded by wonderful suits of armour. A post dinner speech was about the history of the hall. Interesting to listen to before carriages home. Please like and share.

17/06/2026

Sussex Day Banquet held at the Royal Pavilion, Brighton. This event is part of the Master's Sussex celebrations. There will be another post about the full trip. However, I felt that I could not let the event pass without having its own post. Firstly we congregated in the Great Kitchen for a sparkling reception. Then we went through to the Music Room where we were entertained with a fantastic concert by the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus. The Banquet of locally source meats and fish with beautifully paired wines, was held in the State Banqueting Room. The evening was completed with a humourous tribute to Edith Piaf. You have to remember that this building is a Royal Palace. We were so lucky to have access to the Royal Pavilion for the evening. Well done to the event organisers and well done to our Master Stephen Osborne for having the vision to hold a truly Sussex Banquet on Sussex Day.

23/05/2026

Our Master, Stephen Osborne, recently led members of Guild of Freemen of the City of London on a fascinating visit to the historic JOHN TAYLOR BELL FOUNDRY (LOUGHBOROUGH) LIMITED, the only surviving bell foundry in England and a true treasure of British craftsmanship.

From witnessing molten metal being transformed into bells before our eyes, to learning about centuries-old techniques still practised today, the experience was both inspiring and unforgettable. Members were captivated by the remarkable blend of heritage, engineering, and artistry that has enabled over 25,000 bells to be cast here since 1859 for towers across more than 100 countries.

28/04/2026

The Spring black tie dinner was held at Tallow Chandlers Hall this week. A sell out dinner was preceeded by a joining ceremony. The Guild was pleased to welcome 20 new members at the second of this year's joining ceremonies. During the joining ceremony, the new members receive their warrants of membership and take part in the historic passing of the loving cup. Before dinner, members, old and new enjoyed a sparkling reception then carried on to the dining room for a lovely 3 course menu with beautifully paired wine. After dinner we were entertained by a speech from Dr David Jefferies who is also the current Master Apothecary. It was a wonderful evening in a wonderful hall with wonderful people.

The Guild would be delighted if you would like and share this post please.

16/04/2026

A truly memorable visit this week, as our Master, Stephen Osborne, together with members of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London, had the privilege of touring the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden.

We were warmly welcomed and guided through a fascinating and thoughtful introduction to Hinduism, offering insight into its traditions, values, and enduring relevance. The generosity and openness of our hosts made for an engaging and enriching experience.

The Mandir itself is simply breathtaking. From the intricate wooden detailing to the striking Bulgarian stone and beautifully carved Italian marble, every element reflects extraordinary craftsmanship and devotion. It is not only a place of worship, but a remarkable testament to artistry, culture, and community spirit.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who made the visit so informative and enjoyable. A wonderful opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect.

25/03/2026

On Friday 20 March, our Master, Stephen Osborne, joined the Guild of Freemen of the City of London at the 82nd United Guilds’ Service at St Paul's Cathedral, London.

First held in 1943 in the aftermath of the Blitz, the United Guilds’ Service was established to unite the Livery Companies in a spirit of reflection and resilience. What began as an act of collective encouragement has evolved into a deeply meaningful annual tradition, bringing together 114 Livery Companies and Guilds in a service of “united prayer,” strengthening the bonds between the City, the Church, and the Livery movement.

The procession, with the Lady Mayor, Sheriffs, and Masters in their robes, offered a striking visual link between the City’s medieval roots and its modern-day relevance.

Following the service, Master, and the Guild of Freemen of the City of London were delighted to attend a Luncheon at The Worshipful Company of Pewterers Hall, where the hospitality, cuisine, and carefully paired wines were exceptional.

This is a City civic occasion I always look forward to each year in the lead-up to Easter, a moment to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the traditions that continue to unite us.

08/02/2026

The Guild is very pleased to welcome Stephen Osbourne as the new Master for 2026 following the Installation meeting at Saddlers Hall. Stephen installed his Wardens. Senior Warden Alistair Mitchelhill, Renter Warden Christopher Hayward, Junior Warden Janet Bridden. The Installation was followed by a wonderful dinner in the main dining room and in a break with tradition, instead of a guest speaker, the diners were entertained by the Hendo Washboard Kings.

Address

Rooms 78/79 65 London Wall
London
EC25TU

Website

https://www.guild-freemen-london.co.uk/

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