Clerk’s notes July 2026

Renewing a legacy: The Coachmakers’ Formal Petition and the 1677 Charter

For the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers, the renewal of its Supplemental Charter is far more than an administrative exercise. It is an act of stewardship – an opportunity to honour the Royal Charter first granted in 1677 while ensuring that the Company’s governance remains fit for purpose as it enters its 350th year. The process begins within the Company itself, where proposed updates are drafted with care, reflecting the evolution of the Coachmakers’ role from regulating a historic craft to supporting modern engineering, mobility, charity, and civic life. For the Company this task was kindly led by Group Captain Marcus Wills CVO OBE.

The Court reviews these proposals in detail, mindful of the weight carried by a Charter that has shaped the Company’s identity for centuries. Legal advisers assist in refining the draft Supplemental Charter, and an explanatory memorandum is prepared to demonstrate why the changes are necessary and how they support the Company’s charitable mission and its place within the City of London. Only when the Court is satisfied that the document honours the spirit of 1677 while enabling the Company to thrive in 2027 and beyond does the formal Petition take shape.

Although the Petition is addressed to His Majesty The King, the process is managed by the Privy Council Office, which acts on the Sovereign’s behalf. The King’s involvement is constitutional: no amendment to a Royal Charter can take effect without His Majesty’s approval, given at a meeting of the Privy Council. The Petition is therefore the formal mechanism by which the Coachmakers seeks the King’s consent to renew and modernise its Charter.

Once submitted, the formal Petition triggers a structured and transparent process. The Privy Council Office publishes notice of the application on its website and in The Gazette, ensuring that the Company’s intentions are visible to the public and allowing interested parties to comment. The Office then conducts an initial review to confirm that the draft Supplemental Charter and supporting documents are complete, coherent, and properly justified.

The papers are next circulated to Privy Council Advisers – officials with responsibility for the relevant sector – who scrutinise the proposals line by line. They may request clarification or suggest refinements, and this advisory stage can involve several rounds of correspondence. Throughout, the Coachmakers respond promptly, ensuring that the Charter reflects both the dignity of its 1677 origins and the expectations of modern governance.

When the Advisers are satisfied, the matter proceeds to the Privy Council itself. At a meeting presided over by The King, the proposed Supplemental Charter is formally approved. His Majesty’s assent is given through an Order of Council, which is then sealed and becomes legally effective. The Privy Council Office informs the Company, and the updated Charter enters the public record.

For the Coachmakers, this process is a moment of renewal and celebration. As the 350th anniversary approaches, the Supplemental Charter will stand as a bridge between past and future – affirming the Company’s heritage, strengthening its governance, and ensuring that the values first set down in 1677 continue to guide its charitable and civic purpose for generations to come.

The future

By way of an update, at a Privy Council meeting held on 8th July at which His Majesty The King approved the attached Formal Petition and Order, formally referring our Petition for consideration and report. This has now initiated the eight-week formal consultation process.

This Order and a relevant post regarding the formal referral have been published on the Privy Council website. We are hoping to receive the Supplemental Charter in the first quarter of our 350th year and that it will be presented by a member of the royal family at a significant Coachmakers’ event.

To view your Formal Petition please click here: Coachmakers Formal Petition

Coachmakers’ events

The Coachmakers’ 350th Anniversary Election Court, Thanksgiving Service & Celebration Dinner

Tuesday 1st September 2026

St James Garlickhythe & Tallow Chandlers’ Hall

Join us for a landmark moment in the life of the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers as we celebrate 350 years of heritage, fellowship, craftsmanship and service to the crown, the City, and the wider world of mobility.

Granted our Royal Charter by King Charles II, the Coachmakers have stood at the crossroads of innovation and tradition for three and a half centuries – from the golden age of carriage building to the modern frontiers of automotive, aerospace and engineering excellence. Few Livery Companies can claim such a continuous thread of craftsmanship, charity and civic duty across so many eras of British history.

On 1st September 2026, we honour that legacy with an Election Court and Celebration Dinner worthy of our 350th year.

A night of ceremony, history and fellowship

This is no ordinary Election Court. This is the Election Court of our 350th anniversary year, held in two of the City’s most atmospheric and storied locations.

St James Garlickhythe
The church where generations of Coachmakers have worshipped, celebrated and given thanks. Its ancient stones have witnessed centuries of City life – and now they will host our anniversary Service of Thanksgiving.

Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
One of the City’s most beautiful and intimate Livery halls, where we will gather for a sparkling reception and a superb three-course anniversary dinner. A setting perfectly suited to a Company celebrating three and a half centuries of excellence.

Date: Tuesday 1st September 2026
Venues: St James Garlickhythe & Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
Cost: £165pp
Dress: Black Tie

Join us for an extraordinary night in an extraordinary year. Be part of the 350th anniversary story.

1600 – Court and guests muster at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1630 – Election Court, including Swearing and Clothing in the historic Court Room (Court members only)
1720 – Court and guests proceed to St James, Garlickhythe
1725 – Everyone to be seated
1730 – Installation of the new Master and Service of Thanksgiving commences
1830 – Service concludes, after which the Master Coachmaker will lead the Court and guests back to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall
1845 – Reception at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall (in the Courtyard if weather permits)
1930 – Election Court Dinner commences
2230 – Carriages

City events

Election of the Lord Mayor – Tuesday 29th September 2026

Limited tickets available – book through the Clerk.

The annual Election of the Lord Mayor takes place at Guildhall on Tuesday 29th September 2026, and the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers is once again invited to take part in this historic civic occasion.

This event is open to Liverymen of the Company who were admitted before May 2025, in accordance with City of London regulations. Eligible Liverymen may attend the Election Ceremony in Guildhall’s Great Hall, joining fellow Livery Companies in one of the City’s most time honoured traditions.

The Coachmakers have a limited allocation of tickets, and early booking is strongly advised. Those wishing to attend should contact the Clerk, who will manage requests on a first come, first served basis until the Company’s allocation is filled.

To reserve your place, please book directly through the Clerk — numbers are strictly limited.

The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers’ 2026 Inter-Livery Tennis Tournament

Venue: The Lensbury Club, Broom Road, Teddington, TW11 9NU.
Date: Friday 25th September 2026

The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is delighted to host the 2026 Inter-Livery Tennis Tournament at the iconic Lensbury Club. With more than 100 years of sporting tradition, we are pleased to marry the two traditions of Livery and sport by partnering with the Lensbury for this year’s tournament. We look forward to welcoming all participants and their guests for an enjoyable day of sport, friendship and hospitality. The tournament promises to book-end the Livery summer calendar, combining competitive tennis with the conviviality of our shared livery traditions.

For more information, please contact The Clerk.