The Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers is extremely privileged to have the opportunity annually to entertain the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress in the Mansion House, which is of course, their official residence during their year of office.

From the time it was first built in 1752 the Mansion House has been one of the grandest Georgian palaces in London and it is today a building of great national significance. Before it was built each Lord Mayor carried out his duties from his personal residence and used his Livery Company Hall or the Guildhall for entertaining.

The concept of a purpose built house was first discussed after the great fire of London in 1666 and it was not until 1739 that the Corporation chose a design for its creation by George Dance the Elder in the fashionable style of the time which was English Palladianism. The building has since undergone a number of major changes and refurbishments to update facilities and satisfy the fickle requirements of fashion.

The room in which the Livery dines for this event is the great Egyptian Hall, known around the world for great state banquets, dinners and receptions. The coffered barrel vault ceiling of this magnificent hall was designed by George Dance the Younger in 1795 and between 1853 and 1860 the Corporation of London commissioned 17 marble statues inspired by figures from English literature to embellish the surrounding walls. In 1868 two stained glass windows by Alexander Gibbs were installed. The Royal window illustrates the signing of the Magna Carta and Queen Elizabeth’s procession from the City to Westminster and the City window shows Sir William Walworth slaying the rebel Wat Tyler at Smithfield and the procession of King Edward VI to his coronation.

Clearly, there are a host of historic and cultural features in this fine and noble hall which cannot be described adequately in this brief résumé. Suffice to say that an evening at the Mansion House is an evening to be savoured. The Banquet to host the Lord Mayor of the City of London is, therefore, a highlight in the Livery’s calendar and the Master seeks Liverymens’ full support in discharging the Company’s responsibilities for entertainment and hospitality in a fitting manner.