Plumbers’ Banner takes Pride of Place – 20 July 2026
At a ceremony on 20 July, our newly restored and framed Plumbers’ Banner was officially unveiled at Guildhall by The Right Honourable the Lady Mayor, Alderwoman Dame Susan Langley DBE.
The banner, originally commissioned in 1911, is now prominently displayed near the Chamberlain’s Office, where it can be viewed by those attending the Chamberlain’s Court for their Freedom ceremonies
Plumbers’ Banner – Guildhall
We were privileged to have the Lady Mayor, Mayoral Consort Gary Langley and the Sheriffs in attendance. Also attending were the Chamberlain, the Master Elect, the Upper Warden Elect, the Immediate Past Master, Sheriff Elect Lvy. Alderman Prem Goyal CBE, and a small group of Past Masters, Liverymen and guests who had an interest in the banner’s preservation and restoration.
The Master opened the event, reminding us of the history and traditions of our association with the City of London. She thanked Jessica Burgess and Megan Rowbotham of Soteria for their work in restoring the banner and Jacob Everett for the framing.
The Lady Mayor commented that it had been quite a “Plumbers’ year” and recalled our Banquet that she and her Consort Gary attended earlier this year. She spoke about the history of the banner and congratulated the Plumbers on the careful restoration work to bring the banner to its current condition.
Master and Lady Mayor Speeches
The Lady Mayor cut the ribbon to officially unveil the banner.
Cutting the Ribbon
Our Company Chaplain, Fr. Philip Warner, blessed the banner in its final position.
Blessing the Banner
Upper Warden Elect Michael Cooper, with input from PM Nick Gale, spoke about how the banner had originally been commissioned, what had happened to it over the years, and the journey to its current restoration.
Upper Warden Elect Speech
The Lady Mayor, Sheriffs and Chamberlain then joined us for a short reception in the Aldermanic Dining Room, where we also marked the birthday of Kevin Bradford, Consort to Sheriff and Deputy Keith Bottomley.
Reception
The work in restoring and framing the banner was sponsored by the Master, Sandra Raine, Master Elect, Janet Rivers and Immediate Past Master, Charles Brooks. It will remain at its original home in Guildhall on long term loan from the Plumbers’ Company, where it will be seen by all new freemen of the City and their supporters.
Master, Wardens & IPM with Lady Mayor
Lvy. Ian Raine