Kindly organised by the Worshipful Company of Environmental
Cleaners, the Livery Hall Walk is now in its 14th year and is a very
popular event in the Livery calendar. The idea is for Masters and Wardens (or
Clerk) to visit by foot each and every Livery Hall in the City of London. This
attempt is not for the feint hearted as there are some forty halls in total and
all arranged in a totally haphazard fashion around the streets of London. In
terms of distance it equates to approximately eight and a half miles and has to
be done fully badged and in Company robes and other regalia. One hopes for cool
weather!
I was accompanied by the Fleet Warden Rob Casey and we
joined colleagues from some twenty-five other Companys’ ranging from the very
new (Public Relations Practitioners) to the very old (Bakers). In all circa 50
of us - all suited and booted - assembled on HQS Wellington for breakfast.
After our safety briefing Court Assistant Sean Canty of the Environmental
Cleaners led the way and thereafter shepherded us expertly through the streets
and alleyways of our fair City, pitching up outside every single Livery Hall
during the course of the day. It was fascinating to see the history and architecture
of these halls which range in size from the small to the vast; from the humble
to the truly ornate. But each with a very proud and rich heritage over the
centuries. A photograph of us all was taken at every location to record for
posterity our gallant crusade!
Contrary to any rumours one may have heard we did NOT enjoy
a drink at every Hall – indeed we did not actually set foot inside many of them
– but we were made very welcome at the Salters Hall for morning coffee, at the
Armourers and Braziers Hall for lunch (ok, we did have a fortifying glass of
wine there!) and the Furniture Makers Hall for afternoon tea. As the weather
was indeed very warm, the occasional glass of water was available at one or two
other Halls as well. All of this hospitality was gratefully received by us
weary travellers!
The day ended at Glaziers Hall after approximately six and a
half hours on the road. And we didn’t lose anyone on the way!
The Livery Hall Walk is a great tradition and allows not
only fellowship amongst many Livery Companys but also raises a large amount of
charitable donations (via the entry ticket) to the Lord Mayors’ Appeal. It also
allows the general public to see us in all our finery as we parade through the
streets and city workers and tourists alike were fascinated to speak to us as
we walked and to take many a photograph of us crazy people! It was a very fun
day and with some excellent company. Well done the Environmental Cleaners for
organising this brilliant event.
Pictures show the Master and Fleet Warden at the Armourers
Hall and some of our fellow travellers outside the Apothecaries’ Hall.
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