If you are interested in becoming part of the Watermen’s Company detailed below are the various methods of joining. However please feel free to contact Carol Ratcliffe, the Assistant Clerk, for more information or guidance about this. The Company is known for its warm welcome and the best of hospitality whilst upholding the traditions of the City and the River Thames.
Membership of the Watermens’ Company is composed of Journeymen and Craft Owning Freemen – the term Freeman is used to describe both ladies and gentlemen.
The Freedom of the Company is available via several routes-
Journeymen Freemen Apprentices bound to the Company who have qualified for their Boat Master’s Licence (previously the Watermen’s and/or Lightermen’s licence).
Freedom of the Company by Patrimony (without Craft Owning Status).
An applicant’s parent must have been a Freeman of the Company at the date of the applicant’s birth. The relevant form can be obtained from the Assistant Clerk – [email protected]
Craft Owning Freemen Those not directly involved in working on the River but who would wish to join the Company could be eligible to do so under this category. Last year we admitted twenty one new Craft Owning Freemen to the Company.
The main requirements are –
To have a connection with the Company or the River Thames. You must be prepared to contribute to the Company and its Charities – financially and/or by the giving of your time.
To be a Freeman of the City of London. If you are not already a Freeman of the City of London the Company is able to assist you with this process.
To be sponsored by a Court Member and a Craft Owning Freeman . The Assistant Clerk will be delighted to help with the necessary introductions.
Once an application form has been submitted the next step will be to invite you to meet the Membership Committee for a short interview.. The Membership Committee gathers four times a year.
For more information or for an application package please contact the Assistant Clerk on
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
