The tradition of Freemen goes back many centuries, when the citizens of towns and cities would be granted valuable rights to trade, and other privileges conceded by royal charters.
The system was also shared by Livery Companies, associations of craftsmen developed to control the admission to the trade by apprenticeship, and founded on the triple bases of commerce, benevolence
and religion.
From mediaeval times the City of London worked together with Livery Companies to control acceptance of Freemen. However in the nineteenth century it became possible for people to apply for the Freedom of the City of London without belonging to a Livery Company, and this created the need for an organisation to which all Freemen could belong to pursue the interests of the City.
This led to the foundation, in 1908, of the Guild of Freemen of the City of London, to bring together free men and women, for the purposes of charity, benevolence, education and social interaction.
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.
In 2008 the Guild was 100 years old, and during this year the Guild celebrated its Centenary, with Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal as the Centenary Master. Although the Guild is a fairly young organization, particularly when compared with many of the City's Livery Companies, the Guild nevertheless is steeped in the mediaeval traditions of Freemen and trade societies set up for mutual support and protection
On this site you can find information about our organisation, our charitable activities and social and educational events for our members.
We are also list forthcoming City events, please login to our Members' area for details.
Photos taken by the Guild photographer, Peter Holland, at Guild events can be viewed and ordered through this website. Please see the photo galleries for details.
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""Reception and Supper at Grocers' Hall
"My guests and I really really enjoyed the Ceremony and the dinner at Grocers’ Hall last evening, I am still on a high with sheer pleasure, you, everyone there so kind and welcoming". Mrs A R
"It was good to meet you at last and on such an excellent evening in one of the nicest Livery Halls in the City. Thank you for making it such a special evening for M and me. It was so well organised and enjoyable. The food was first class and the company good as well". Mr D B
RNLI Demonstration and Supper at the Little Ship Club
"Thank you SO much for arranging a most enjoyable evening. Once again, I was able to catch up on friends and make new acquantainces - all thanks to you for the excellent place settings. The weather was kind to us, the food was amazing and everybody around our table was very happy with the service and the meal." Ms V H
"Following the interesting demonstration Guild Members and their guests retired back inside the Little Ship Club for a stunning two-course supper with some excellent wine and tremendous companionship discussing the RNLI’s great work being achieved on the tidal Thames." Mr D K
Published - Friday 30th November 2018
The Master, John Barber DL, was delighted to be invited to Mansion House to present the Guild's gift to the......continue reading
Read Article >Published - Wednesday 28th November 2018
Founded in 2012, the City of London Distillery is the only gin distillery in London’s Square Mile and the first......continue reading
Read Article >Published - Thursday 22nd November 2018
What a fantastic evening at Cafe Spice Namaste! A real departure for the Guild - curry night but with a......continue reading
Read Article >
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