New City of London Beadles’ Guild Chairman
The City of London Beadles’ Guild celebrates the election of its new Chairman at a glittering installation dinner aboard the HQS Wellington.
Moored on the River Thames at Temple Steps on the Victoria Embankment in the City of London, The HQS Wellington was the was the perfect venue for annual installation dinner for the new Chairman of the City of London Beadles’ Guild.
The glittering dinner was the highlight of the City of London Beadles’ Guild social calendar. Beadles’s and their guests were entertained by music and operatic singers as well as speeches and a wonderful four course meal provided by the Cook and the Butler.
After dinner there was a loving cup ceremony and awards to Beadle’s who had contributed to the Guild and the causes it supports over the last year.
Beadles have been serving the Liver companies of The City of London for 900 years. The word Beadle comes from the Latin “bidellus” which is rooted in words for “Herald”he was originally an official of the Roman Temple. More recently the word Beadle has also been used to describe Church Wardens and early Policemen.
Today in most Livery Companies the Beadle generally is responsible for the stewardship of the Company’s property, ceremonial regalia, artifacts and treasures and its buildings or Hall. He may also advise on matters of Protocol and will often ensure that all Livery functions run smoothly. He may also assist in the gowning and badging of The Master and Wardens for official ceremonious and may also act as Toastmaster at official functions.
The HQS Wellington is a Grimsby class sloop. She was once a Royal Navy convoy escort ship and saw active service in the North Atlantic during the second world war.
