City

The Livery plays an integral part in the governance of the City to this day, joining other Livery Companies in electing the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs at Common Hall in Guildhall. By Tradition going back to 1469, the Company presents a Boar's Head to the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House, and one of our highlights of the year is to invite him to a banquet in the Hall. The Master and Members of the Court also join other Companies at St. Paul's Cathedral for the annual United Guilds Service. The Company ranks 24th out of 104 City Livery Companies.

Court and Livery

To be 'clothed' in the distinctive Livery of the Butchers' Company, the Freedom of the City of London has to be obtained. Once a Liveryman, he or she can play a part in Company affairs by attending Common Hall to elect the Master and other Members of the Court. They may also attend the monthly Livery lunches which follow Court meetings.

The Court

The Court is comprised of the Master, five Wardens and fifteen Assistants who meet monthly to discuss and ratify committee recommendations in the governance of the Company. The Deputy Master is normally appointed from one of the Past Masters on the Court whilst the Renter Assistant and Providitor are elected from other senior Court Members; the Master appoints his Wine Marshall. The responsibility of the reporting committees include charities, education, fine arts, management and finance, together with representation on the Board of Chester Boyd Limited.

The Clerk and The Beadle

The Clerk of the Company is responsible to the Master and Court and oversees the day-to-day management of Company matters and supervision of the administration staff and Hall Keepers. The Beadle is responsible for conducting the ceremonial duties of the Company.

Commercial Aspects

To take advantage of the Hall's prime location in the City, The Company actively seek to let the Hall for external business and social occasions when not required for the Livery. With the assistance of our catering company Chester Boyd Limited, conferences, seminars and receptions are regular events at the Hall. Click here for more details.

Forum for the Industry

The Butchers' Company is a thriving and modern institution providing a focal point for those involved in the Industry to come together and exchange ideas. The Master's role in The Company and The City as a whole is to act as a Figurehead and representative for the trade when attending functions at other Livery Companies. His presence at industry functions gives status to the Meat Trade in general. The Master and Company always remain neutral on matters of a political or commercial nature and this is appreciated by both Liverymen and the Industry, as Butchers' Hall is seen as an ideal venue to discuss sensitive issues.

Management of the Hall

The Management Team on the fourth floor carry out a variety of functions. Admissions to the Company, organising Court Meetings and social occasions, and support of the management Committees, are just a small part of the active office. The Company also provides a secretariat for the Industry's charity, the Butchers' and Drovers' Charitable Institution, the Butchers' Guild, and the Fishmongers' and Poulterers' Institution.