Tour of Vintners’ Hall – 17 Sep 2026

Eighteen members of the Company had a very interesting tour with the Archivist. We learnt about the history of the Vintners' Company and the hall and some of its many treasures. Among the portraits we saw one of a Mr Van Horn whose only claim to fame was drinking 4 1/2 bottles of port daily! Another was of Sir Andrew Parmley (our sponsoring Alderman) as Master Vintner.

We also discovered that five cheers are given at the end of a meal in remembrance of the five Kings who dined with past Master and Mayor of London, Henry Picard in 1363.

Our visit ended with us discovering something of the relevance of swans to the Company and swan-upping on the Thames. These swans are owned by The Vintner's, The Dyers and the King - contrary to popular belief they are not all his!