Activities

Join us for a visit to the Armourers and Brasiers’ Guild Hall, a striking Georgian building in the neo-Palladian style and thought to be the oldest livery company in the City of London. An architectural jewel hidden in plain sight, it contains a host of beautiful and fascinating artefacts acquired during its long history.

The Livery Companies of the City of London started as craft guilds, originally for social and religious interchange, but increasingly for the protection and improvement of their craft. In 1322, in the reign of King Edward II, the Guild of St George of the Armourers was instituted.  This tour will include an informational presentation on the history of the guilds in London as well as the history of armour and its role in medieval warfare. The focus of the tour will be on the Hall.  We will visit each of the major rooms which contain many interesting artefacts and portraits – most notably perhaps Sir Henry Lee and his lover, the infamous Ann Vavasour – and hear about her chequered life.  Tea, coffee and biscuits are included.