Friends excursions: Fishmongers' Hall
Monday 9 April 2018 3 - 4.30pm
Meet at Fishmongers' Hall, north side of London Bridge on the corner with Upper Thames Street, EC4R 9EL
£35. Includes tea/coffee on arrival.
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The worshipful company of Fishmongers is one of the top five Great Livery Companies of the City of London and amongst the most ancient of the City Guilds, founded over 700 years ago.
King Edward I granted the Fishmongers of London their first charter c.1272 which maintained that no fish could be sold in London except by the ‘Mistery of the Fishmongers’. By the end of the 14th century, the Company had a complete monopoly on the sale of fish, which was a staple food in the Middle Ages. During the 15th century, the Company gradually lost its monopoly but its connection to the buying and selling of fish remains to the present day. Fishmongers’ is one of the few ancient Livery Companies still intimately linked to its original historic trade.
The headquarters, although rebuilt several times, have remained in the same location since the 15th century. Located near London Bridge on the banks of the Thames, Fishmongers’ Hall was the first of forty Livery Halls to catch fire during the Great Fire of London, but thanks to the Hall’s location, the Company’s silver and their most important documents were safely transported away by boat before the building was destroyed.
On our private tour given by the Company’s Head of Collections, we learn about the history of the hall and view prized artefacts including the painting and silver collections.
£35. Includes tea/coffee on arrival.
Friends of the RA book first
Booking and attending Friends excursions and events