The United Guilds Service 2026 took place on Friday 20th March. For the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs it was especially memorable to take our place in St Paul's Cathedral in what is now our perpetual slot of 112*. Sitting in the Company Row on the north side of the aisle, immediately behind the Arts Scholars' Company (110), and with the Human Resources Professionals' Company (114) behind us, it really did feel as though we were finally part of the City furniture!

 

           

 

The day had begun an hour or two beforehand as the Deputy Master (James Talbot, standing in for Alderman King who remains in purdah for another month or so), Wardens, and Clerk paraded at Carpenters' Hall as guests of the Master Carpenter for coffee. Under the scrutiny of the Beadle (Sarah Davies, standing in for Yeoman Warder Emma Rousell, who was on duty as Ward Beadle) and, to the delight of tourists and city workers, the Deputy Master, Wardens and Clerk marched through the busy streets with their robes flowing behind them. 

On the steps of St Paul's Livery folk thronged in brightly coloured robes, hats and badges, and, grateful for the bright sunshine, we joined the long queues into the Cathedral. The Service is now in its 82nd year, having been instituted to give thanks for the City and Livery after the devastation of WWII. The Reverend George Bush, in the midst of processions, music, and hymns, gave a rousing address to underscore the Christian charity of the City's great Livery Companies and Guilds. We managed to grab some photographs on the steps – and even grabbed Past Master Dixon (Framework Knitters), and a former Consort Jo Huxley (Woolmen) – who joined us for some pictures.

 

Spiritually nourished, we made our way back to Carpenters' Hall after the service - much to the surprise and delight of workmen and lunching office workers. Ensconced in Carpenters' Hall, we were treated to fine champagne, and an abundant feast of tender meats, delectable desserts, and rich cheeses. The Master Carpenter, the noted beetroot juice entrepreneur Lawrence Mallinson, paid tribute to the Entrepreneurs in his welcome - saying that, had he not been introduced to the Carpenters' Company so long ago, he would have surely become a member of the Entrepreneurs' Company! The generous welcome was met with smiles, and a grateful response by the Master Tyler & Bricklayer to conclude an especially memorable day.

 

 

Notes: the United Guilds Service is typically held a fortnight before Good Friday, and is open to members of the Worshipful Company of Entrepreneurs and their guests.

*note that in 2025, the Company of Entrepreneurs became a Livery Company after the official seating plans for United Guilds had been published, and so sat slightly out of sequence.