At the kind invitation of the Mistress Tallow Chandler, Mrs Margaret Baxter, the Mistress attended the annual Tallow Chandlers’ Luncheon in their magnificent Hall on Dowgate Hill. Some 70 or so Mistresses and Consorts from a wide selection of Livery Companies assembled for luncheon and it was a splendid occasion.
The current Tallow Chandlers Hall is in fact the third incarnation, much of which was built after the Great Fire and sports a fine Oriel window. However, Deeds held by the Company indicate that a Hall stood on this site as far back as the 14th Century making it one of the most ancient of Livery Halls. Thankfully it survived the Blitz and today it is a truly wonderful setting for Livery gatherings such as this.
A pre-lunch reception allowed the various Mistresses and Consorts to mingle, many of them having only just been installed (October is a popular month for Installations!). But before long the Beadle called the guests into luncheon.
A very pleasant meal followed and the usual Loyal toasts were drunk. The Principle Guest was the Mistress Grocer, Mrs Sara Whitmore who gave and interesting speech which was much enjoyed. There then followed a further chance for guests to converse over a cup of tea before departure.
Thanks must go to the Mistress Tallow Chandler and her team for a lovely luncheon and the opportunity to make some new friends.
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