The Worshipful Company of Butchers and City Livery Events

The Boar’s Head Ceremony is a very special event which can be traced back to 1343. Join The Master and fellow Liverymen on Thursday 13th February for one of the highlights of the year.

Going to Mansion House isn’t likely to be something you do very often!

The tradition began because a parcel of land was give to the Butchers of London to provide them with a place to clean and dispose of offal or any ‘beast entrails’. The cost? The Butchers were to pay up with a Boar’s Head each winter and, despite the fact the land and the practice are no more, we still pay up. A contract is a contract, after all.

A warm welcome from the Lord Mayor himself is assured as we gather to mark a historic ceremony that reaffirms the strong ties between the Butchers and the City. It's at the Mansion House reception that you will be able to sample a real boar's head, prepared by the Food Services Wing and presented to the Lord Mayor.

Before the procession a first class three-course sausage and mash lunch will be served at Butchers’ Hall, with drinks included (sausages kindly provided by The British Premium Sausage company). A drinks reception will start proceedings at 12.30pm and lunch will be served at 1pm. We will leave the Hall for Mansion House at approximately 3.10pm.

One Liverymen commented: “This is my favourite event of the year and something I urge others to experience. It is a time when you’re reminded of what a privilege it is to be a Liveryman of the Butchers’ Company.”