Join us at the United Guilds’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral

The United Guilds’ Service was first held in February 1943 (Lady Day) as a co-ordinated response to the challenges faced by the City of London following the WWII Blitz of 1940-41. Perhaps a Service of Thanksgiving for those that survived those terrible times. It was also a reminder of the religious origins of the Guilds, based on the local parish churches where medieval Guilds used to meet, for want of a large and suitable space to gather. This is also the origin of the patron saints that some companies maintain today, taken from those early parish churches.

Held annually ever since, the UGS, as it is known, is held two Fridays before Good Friday at St Paul’s Cathedral. The date for 2025 is Friday 28th March, it is organised by Trustees based at the Fishmongers’ Company. Each livery company is allocated 22 seats (nine in the Company row and 13 for members) plus one for the Master’s spouse or consort. The service starts at 11.15am, attendees need to be seated by 10:45am. It is all over by 12:15pm in time for lunch!

Attended by the Bishop of London, the Lord Mayor and his entourage, they arrive with considerable ceremonial, the Dean is usually the distinguished preacher, the cathedral is invariably packed to capacity. All Masters/Prime Wardens, Wardens and Clerks are expected to attend, fully badged and robed. An immensely colourful spectacle that leaves tourists bewildered as the congregation emerges into the daylight after the service. Most companies will individually or jointly arrange a lunch after the service.

Coachmakers can request free cathedral tickets via the Clerk, and a following Company lunch has been arranged at Tallow Chandlers’ Hall. Members may book the service and/or the lunch using this link:
https://wcmpc.wufoo.com/forms/coachmakers-united-guild-service-lunch-28-march/

The cathedral service is optional of course, members may like to just partake in the reception and lunch. This is an ideal gathering of fellowship for those who prefer a lunch to a late-night dinner and the challenge in getting home afterwards. The Master hopes that many of you will take advantage of this special occasion.