Plaque Unveiling at Vintners’ Place Marks Historic Plumbers’ Hall Site – 25 September 2025
A commemorative plaque has been unveiled at Vintners’ Place, celebrating the site of the Worshipful Company of Plumbers’ earliest known Hall, which stood there from the 1530s to the 1630s. The ceremony, led by the Master, Charles Brooks, and officially unveiled by the Lord Mayor, was attended by Liverymen, guests, and members of the Vintners’ Company, followed by a reception at St Magnus the Martyr Church.
The unveiling of the new plaque at Vintners’ Place marked a significant moment for the Worshipful Company of Plumbers, formally recognising its first Hall, rented from the Vintners’ Company in Anchor Lane nearly 500 years ago.
The Master, Charles Brooks, welcomes guests to the unveiling ceremony
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from The Master, Charles Brooks, who noted that the Company had “come home” by commemorating its earliest Hall whilst also returning to the area with the recent move to Painters’ Hall. The Lord Mayor spoke of the importance of recognising the Plumbers’ historic roots and unveiled the plaque before Father Philip Warner, the Company Chaplain, offered a blessing.
The Lord Mayor unveils the commemorative plaque at Vintners’ Place – 25 September 2025. From right to left: The Lord Mayor, The Master, The Clerk, and The Mistress.
👉 Click here to view the Lord Mayor’s LinkedIn post
The Master thanked those who had contributed to the project, including Professor Mark Vessey for his historical research, Immediate Past Master David Adams for initiating the idea, and Renter Warden-elect Michael Cooper for coordinating the project. The plaque itself was designed and crafted in lead by the Plumbers’ Museum and Workshop Trust at Amberley, with installation by Peter and Russell Cheesman.
Father Philip Warner blesses the plaque following its unveiling
At the reception, IPM David Adams spoke about the genesis of the project during his year as Master. Inspired by references in historic texts, including A Survey of London (1598) by John Stow, he confirmed evidence that the Plumbers occupied the Hall for over a century as tenants of the Vintners. He highlighted how this discovery, together with the encouragement of fellow Past Masters and the enthusiasm of the archivist, made the plaque possible.
Immediate Past Master David Adams speaks at the reception at St Magnus the Martyr
Guests gather at St Magnus the Martyr Church for the reception after the ceremony
Following the unveiling of the plaque on 22nd September to recognise our oldest known Hall, guests gathered at St Magnus the Martyr Church for a light reception. During this, three short informal speeches were given by the PM David Adams, Michael Cooper, and Professor Mark Vessey.
These talks provide fascinating background detail on the project and are now available click here for the speeches. In particular, Professor Vessey’s contribution is valuable, as he explained the central role of John Stow, the Elizabethan historian and author of the Survey of London (1598), whose meticulous work enabled us to locate the site of the old Plumbers’ Hall.
We are also pleased to share a photograph of Professor Vessey taken shortly after the reception, standing beside the memorial to John Stow in the church of St Andrew Undershaft. The image, kindly provided by Kathy Adams, provides a fitting reminder of the historian whose work continues to shape our understanding of the Company’s history.
The historical significance of Anchor Lane is considerable: it was here in 1567 that the Hall hosted one of the earliest known separatist congregations in England, an event that influenced the development of non-conformist traditions and ultimately contributed to the story of the Pilgrim Fathers. During this period, the Company also gained its official armorial bearings (1588), its Royal Charter (1611), and appointed its first Master, Abraham Greene.
The event emphasised both the Company’s ancient heritage and modern purpose. As the Master reminded guests, while the plaque anchors the Plumbers’ history in the City of London, today the Company continues to look forward — supporting apprenticeships, bursaries, and professional development to ensure the plumbing industry thrives for generations to come.
The unveiling at Vintners’ Place is therefore both a proud acknowledgement of the Company’s origins and a celebration of its continuing role as one of the City of London’s ancient Livery Companies — rooted in tradition, yet committed to modern relevance and service.
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