Pewterers' Lord Mayor's Dinner
18th June 2018The Worshipful Company of Pewterers is one of the City's older Livery Company's. It's illustrious history dates back to the 14th Century (1348 according to some records) and it achieved its Royal Charter in 1474 in the reign of Edward IV. Whether you take the short date or the long date, the Company has existed a very long time indeed. So, it was an honour to be invited to The Lord Mayor's Dinner hosted by the Master, Ann Buxton, the first lady Pewterer to hold that office.
Arriving at Pewterers Hall, guests were greeted by the the personal guard of the Lord Mayor, The Company of Pikemen & Musketeers. Resplendant in their 17th Century uniforms, they were a blaze of red uniforms, shiny armour, 12 foot pikes and firearms resembling hand-held cannon. There was also a drummer whose task it was to beat the drum upon the arrival of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs which he did with gusto! Catching some by surprise, I think there were more than a few spilt drinks...
Before retiring to the elegant Livery Room for dinner, there was an opportunity for a snap of those attending from the Tobacco Pipe Makers stable; Sheriff's Consort Fiona Adler, Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths Company, Michael Prideaux and I were corraled together by the Master Vintner to record the fact.
With impeccable courtesy and generosity, the Pewterers entertained the assembled guests with fine food, fine wine and fine company. We could not have been made to feel more welcome. Informative and witty speeches followed from both The Lord Mayor and the Master before proceedings concluded with music and singing from students of The Guildhall School of Music & Drama.