The United Guilds Service will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday 14 March.

Each Livery Company and Guild are issued with a number of tickets. It is a very popular service. The Farmers have an allocation of just 22 seats so early registration is advisable to avoid disappointment.

History. The United Guilds Service was first held in February 1943 as a coordinated response to the challenges faced by the City of London following the Blitz of 1940-41.

It was also a reminder of the religious origins of the Guilds. The first service to be conducted was held on Lady Day – 25 March 1943 – the first day of the year by the old calendar.

The King was petitioned to attend, along with Masters and Prime Wardens in their robes with such of their livery as ‘may be able’. The King did not attend; but the Lord Mayor and the Aldermen did. Dr Fisher, the Bishop of London, gave the address.

The Lord Mayor (Sir Samuel Joseph, father of Sir Keith Joseph) hosted an ‘austerity luncheon’ after the service for the Masters and Prime Wardens. The Lord Mayor hoped that the service would be held annually as an opportunity for the Livery to ‘approach God with one voice of united prayer’. His hope has been fulfilled!

OPTIONAL LUNCH AT INNHOLDERS’ HALL

We plan to take a table or two at Innholders Hall for Lunch for those who wish to stay.