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.
Tony Maynard HMW was installed as the 193rd Master of the Watermen’s Company on 10 July 2019.
The new Master is pictured with (L to R): Ted Gradosielski BEM (Junior Warden) Mrs Gina Blair (Senior Warden), Derek Mann and Sir David Wootton (Junior Wardens).
Some helpful links –
Freemen’s Events
The Company Calender
The Doggett’s Coat and Badge Wager
The River Thames Lunch Club
The Watermen’s Company Shop
The Master’s Blog
Watermen’s Clothing
In conjunction with Ascot Promotions we are very excited about our new range of Watermen’s clothing. We have fleeces, polo shirt and caps to offer. All available for Ladies and Gentlemen/ Please click on the link above to see the new range – all come in a selection of sizes and colours. Ideal Christmas presents!!
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The Illuminated River Project
The Illuminated River Project is currently underway in London and will, on completion, incorporate up to 15 bridges from Albert Bridge to Tower Bridge. At 2.5 miles in length, it will be the longest public art commission in the World. London architects; Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands together with American light artist; Leo Villareal were the
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