The Guild of Freemen of the City of London

Key to the Company Seal
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Mr Newbold 'Past Master Clifford J Newbold, DiplArch FRIBA FCIArb'

Presentation to the Guild

27 February 2008

At the meeting of the Court of Assistants on Wednesday 27th February, on behalf of Past Master Mr Clifford Newbold, the Clerk presented a silver key to the Guild in commemoration of Mr Newbold's year as Master - March 1989-March 1990 - and of the Guild's centenary.

The key, made of solid silver, is inscribed with the Guild's coat of arms and the words 'Key to the Company Seal' - which is a symbolic item that is handed over by the outgoing Master to his successor at the Installation Ceremony every year.

The Master, Mr Gordon Gentry, graciously accepted the gift on behalf of all members of the Guild, and asked the Clerk to thank Mr Newbold for his generosity and kindness. All members of the Court added their compliments for the attractiveness and the originality of the gift.

Alderman and Sheriff Michael Bear receives his warrant
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Alderman and Sheriff Michael Bear

23 January 2008

Alderman and Sheriff Michael Bear was recently elected to the Guild and collected his warrant.

This news serves to maintain the tradition of Aldermen and Sheriffs becoming members of the Guild.

Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder
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Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder

21 November 2007

Alderman and Sheriff Ian Luder was elected to the Guild on 3rd October 2007 and collected his warrant on 21st November 2007.

The Right Reverend Graeme Knowles AKC
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The Dean of St Pauls is appointed Honorary Chaplain

21 November 2007

The Right Reverend Graeme Knowles AKC was appointed Honorary Chaplain to the Guild of Freemen and introduced to the Court on 21st November 2007.

The Clerk to the Chamberlain's Court explains the significance of the Freedom of the City
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Members of the Court help some of those who have received the Freedom of the City to display their certificates
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Guild awards Freedom to members of the RMP

12 July 2005

On 12th July, on behalf of the Master, Past Master Sir Anthony Grant welcomed a group of soldiers from the Guild's affiliated Territorial Army unit, 253 Provost Company Royal Military Police, to Guildhall to receive the Freedom of the City. The Court of Assistants had decided to bestow this honour on a number of members of the unit in recognition of their recent and on-going contribution to Queen and Country through their service in Iraq and other areas of conflict in the world.

The new Master, Mr Leslie Lewis, presents an Illuminated Address to the Immediate Past Master, Alderman Richard Agutter
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The Senior Past Master congratulates Mrs Barbara Newman on her appointment as Senior Warden. Mr Gordon Gentry, the Renter Warden, looks on
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The Masters' Ladies, past and present - Mrs Lesley Agutter and Mrs Diana Lewis
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Annual General Meeting 2005

17 March 2005

On Wednesday 16th March the Guild held its Annual General Meeting at Tallow Chandlers' Hall. 79 Guild members were in attendance; apologies were received from 19 members.

During the course of the meeting Court Assistants Mr Anthony Woodhead and Mrs Barbara Newman were elected to Life Membership of the Court and eleven Court members, who had duly resigned and presented themselves for re-election, were re-elected to Triennial Membership of the Court. Then the Annual Report and Accounts were reviewed and passed, and HW Fisher & Company were reappointed as the Guild's auditors for the current year.

After the Annual General Meeting had finished the Installation Ceremony took place. The following Court members were appointed to high office for the year ahead:

• Master: Mr Leslie Lewis
• Senior Warden: Mrs Barbara Newman
• Renter Warden: Mr Gordon Gentry
• Junior Warden: Mr Francis Bergin
• Under Warden: Mr William Charnock

During the course of the Installation Ceremony thanks were expressed to Alderman Richard Agutter for his excellent contribution to the Guild during his tenure, and his achievements were recognized with the presentation of a Past Masters' jewel and an Illuminated Address.

Past Master Sir Peter Gadsden receives a cheque from the Master Alderman Richard Agutter
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Charitable Donation

16 March 2005

On 16th March the Trustees of the Guild's Benevolent Fund gathered in Tallow Chandlers' Hall to make a presentation to the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Development Trust. Past Master Sir Peter Gadsden, who is also the President of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Development Trust, was pleased to receive the donation from the Master, Alderman Richard Agutter. The occasion was particularly memorable as it was Alderman Agutter's last act on behalf of the Guild in his capacity as Master.

David Cobb in the Ceremony of the Loving Cup with Mrs Hazel Davis

Mr Sheriff David Cobb, CBE receives his membership warrant from the Master

Mr Albert Poggio, MBE receives his membership warrant

New Guild Members

29 November 2004

At the Court Meeting on the 24th November 2004, the Guild was proud to welcome a number of new members including

Mr Albert Poggio, MBE - UK Representative, The Goverment of Gibraltar
Mr Sheriff David Cobb, CBE
Lady Morton, DL

Ceremony in the Chamberlain's Court, Guildhall (photo: Peter Holland)

Guild awards Freedom to members of RMP

26 November 2004

The Guild was privileged to award the Freedom of the City of London to members of the 253 Provost Company Royal Military Police Volunteers in recognition of their service around the world and in particular in Iraq.

Freedom ceremonies were held at the Guildhall on Friday 22nd October and Tuesday 16th November.

The Guild also took the opportunity to recognise Caterina Carola for her contribution in setting up the Guild website.

The Holl Goblets

Presentation to the Guild

6 October 2004

At the meeting of the Court of Assistants on Wednesday 6th October the Immediate Past Master, Mr Raymond G Holl MBE, kindly presented a set of four silver goblets to the Guild in commemoration of his year as Master - March 2003-March 2004.

The Master, Alderman Richard Agutter, graciously accepted the gift on behalf of all members of the Guild, and thanked Mr Holl for his generosity and kindness.

Website of the Freemen of the City of London of North America

Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America celebrates 25 years

8 September 2004

This year the Honourable Company celebrates its 25th Anniversary, and the Master, Wardens, Court of Assistants and all Members of the Guild send their warmest congratulations for this achievement. The Honourable Company's aim is to maintain a continuous link with the City of London and, where possible, to strenghten the linkages - commercial, social and personal - between the Company, the City and North America.

The Guild remains in close contact with the Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America, and we have been asked to pass on a very warm invitation to any Guild Member travelling to North America to make contact with the Honourable Company. In 1997 a reciprocal agreement was reached between the Guild and the Honourable Company which entitles members to share selected privileges and events.

In addition, the Company reflects the traditions of Freemen of allegiance, the ceremonies and rituals to be found within the Guild and Livery Companies, and in the history of the City itself.

For further details please see the following links:

• The Honorable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America

Biography of Sir Peter Gadsden

The Life of Sir Peter Gadsden

27 June 2004

A biography of one of our distinguished members, Past Master Sir Peter Gadsden, has recently been published by the Ellingham Press.

To some people Peter is 'Mr City', the familiar face in Guildhall, member of seven Livery Companies, a Past Master of the Clothworkers and a Founder Master of the Engineers. Peter has been a frequent visitor to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, which has London Bridge as its centrepiece, and was for many years chairman of the City of London Arizona Corporation. Peter has been Sheriff of London and a Senior Alderman, but without doubt the pinnacle of his civic career was his year as Lord Mayor of London in 1979/80.

Peter has been asked many times to write his biography, but has never stopped long enough to do so. Now in conjunction with professional biographer, Ina Taylor, he has finally agreed to describe his extraordinary life. What unfolds is a lively tale with many amusing and hitherto untold stories of business and the City. However, what underpins Sir Peter Gadsden's amazing achievements is that everything has been carried out 'Thoroughly with Enthusiasm' as his coat of arms demands.

For further details please see the following links:

• The Ellingham Press