The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames was founded in 1514, when the earliest Act of Parliament for regulating watermen, wherrymen and bargemen received Royal Assent from King Henry VIII.
Under a further Act of 1555 the Company introduced apprenticeships for those wishing to learn the skills of the Watermen. In 1700 the Lightermen (carriers of goods/cargo) joined the Watermen’s Company.
In 1780 The Company moved into its own purpose built hall in St Mary at Hill, where we can still be found today. The Company is a working guild and is very actively involved with the life of the River and those who work on it. The Company is governed by a Court of Assistants, led by the Master and four Wardens, who are elected annually by the Court.
Master’s Installation
Derek Mann, a working Waterman with more than 50 years’ experience on the River, was installed as the 195th Master of the Watermen’s Company on 14 July 2021.
Junior Wardens Ted Gradosielski BEM, Ted Manning and Tim Keech took their oaths, and Alderman Sir David Wootton will be installed as Senior Warden at the next Court meeting.
Following the ceremony, attended by the Wardens and Court, a small celebratory lunch was held.
The Master is pictured above, with his Wardens and the Clerk Ms Julie Lithgow.
INDENTURE PRESENTATION – 21 September 2021
The three apprentices bound by Zoom during the pandemic in May 2020 were presented with their indentures in a special presentation at Watermen’s Hall. May we wish you all the very best of luck in your careers on the River Thames. Photo: Apprentices front row with their Masters back row from left. Joseph McFadyen (Master
UP RIVER TRIP – Monday 18 October 2021 – Westminster Pier
Apprentices are invited to attend a Local Knowledge River trip. Maynard Launches Cockney Sparrow have very kindly offered to host the river trip that will take in all of the tidal upper reaches to Richmond and return to Westminster Pier. THIS IS A FREE TRIP. This event is also open to all Watermen and Lightermen
Watermen’s Hall is one of the City of London’s finest venues for conferences, banquets, receptions, award ceremonies, business meetings, wedding receptions, private dining and silver service luncheons for up to 80 people.
This 18th century Georgian Hall graces the City with its historical elegance and spaces to suit every occasion.
Please contact Mark Grove at The Cook and The Butler, either by phone or email, for all hiring enquiries:
Telephone: 020 7620 1818
Fax: 020 7620 1820
For more information about our rooms click on the link below
