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.

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.

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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.

14/12/2025

The culmination of the Masters dining events is the white tie banquet. This year the Guild was lucky enough to hold the event at the fabulous Mansion House, and the Lady Mayor was in attendance. Our Master Adrian Waddingham and his consort Angela hosted a sell out dinner starting with the traditional sparkling reception. After the sumptuous 5 course dinner was a bout of speeches given by the Master, the Lady Mayor, the Master Elect Stephen Obsourne highlighting his diary of events for next year, closing with a speech given by Lord Lisvane. A fantastic final dining event to end a fantastic year.

29/11/2025

November was a wonderful month for the Guild, our Master and the City of London. Firstly the Guild held a super luncheon at Mercers Hall. A fine sparkling reception preceded a sell out meal in the main dining room. Later in the month was of course the Lady Mayor's Show. The Master and a retinue of Guild officers met with peers and City dignitaries before the start of the procession and our Master was lucky enough to hitch a ride in a carriage. The Guild of Freemen of the City of London wish the Lady Mayor the best wishes for her year in office.

23/10/2025

Lady Mayor's Show

Saturday 8th November 2025
Start: 11am | Finish: 2pm
This is your opportunity to welcome the new Lady Mayor to her City and to watch this historic pageant. This lively show is the longest and most historic procession in the world, you will be able to cheer the Lady Mayor, the Sheriffs, and our Master amongst others as the procession passes by.

After the Lady Mayor’s Show there will be a great opportunity to catch up with fellow Guild members whilst enjoying what is always a delicious four-course lunch with wine in the exclusive Members’ Private Dining Room at Guildhall.

21/10/2025

As previously described, this year's Master has been very cheeky and hosted 2 Master's holidays and this is the second. Once again, the holiday was a sell out with 50 attendees booked in to the beautiful Lake Windermere Hotel. Highlights included a talk on Arthur Ransom, author of Swallows and Amazons at the Windermere Powerboat club and a trip to Levens Hall.

19/10/2025

The Guild is very pleased to announce that Paul Williams has been asked to join the Court. Paul has been contributing to the Membership and Social media committees and will be officially inducted in January at the Installation meeting of the new Master at Tallow Chandlers Hall.

09/10/2025

73 Member and associates of the Guild met at the Little Ship club for a fine luncheon before attending the annual sheep drive across Southwark Bridge. This year, the Guild members were led by past Master Ann-Marie Jefferys accompanied by Little Bo Peep, an Edwardian Gentleman. The driving of sheep over a London Bridge is a tradition that continues to this day to capture the spirit and history of the City.

25/09/2025

The highlight of the Guild's year is our popular December Banquet, and this year will take place at Mansion House. The Guild has not dined there for some time and the Lady Mayor, Dame Sue Langley (subject to election at the end of this month), has kindly given her permission for our banquet to be held in the magnificent Egyptian Room. The Lady Mayor has also accepted our invitation to dine with us.Our guest speaker is The Lord Lisvane KCB DL, Robert Rogers. Lord Lisvane, a crossbench peer, who served as Clerk to the House of Commons from October 2011 until August 2014. Some 200 places have already been taken, and early booking is the best way to ensure that you do not miss the fun.

Address

Rooms 78/79 65 London Wall
London
EC25TU

Website

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

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