Visit to Watermen’s Hall – 10 Feb 2025

On this cold, damp afternoon, a group of us were warmly welcomed to Watermen’s Hall on St Mary at Hill by our guide Lisa. This Hall is the oldest Georgian Hall in the City and holds a treasury of historic silver artefacts.

Lisa conveyed a vast breadth of knowledge with a delightful delivery that kept us all enthralled for over an hour.

We learned that the Watermen were formed as a Company by an Act of Parliament caused by Henry VIII demanding regulation of fares for river passengers. The Watermen’s Company still regulates the Doggett's Coat and Badge, one of the world’s oldest continuing rowing race, held annually in England along the Thames from London Bridge to Chelsea.

The Lightermen were responsible for handling vast amounts of cargo traffic and joined with the Watermen in 1827 when Francis Theodore Hay was Master. He was the owner of Hay’s Wharf alongside the Thames, now repurposed and renamed ‘Galleria’.

Most fascinating was to learn about the ceremonial role of the Bargemaster. He assisted in the removal of the crown orb and sceptre from the coffin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and placed them on the altar, thus signifying the transfer of the Instruments of State.

Lisa answered lots of questions, and indeed we learned that several of our members had associations with both watermen and lightermen within our own family histories. We enjoyed tea and coffee with a pleasant time of fellowship and conversation. I’m sure we all came away having gained an insight into an interesting Company and a magnificent building.