United Guilds Service, St Paul’s Cathedral, 20th March 2026
Members of the Livery attended the 82nd United Guilds Service, held at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The annual United Guilds Service is a wonderful coming together, of all the Liveries and Guilds, which fills St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s a very special experience and proud moment to be part of this service. So, I (Upper Warden) would encourage all Liverymen to attend it at least once. The service starts with the impressive procession into the Cathedral of choristers, clergy, the Lady Mayor with her sword and mace bearers, plus a rotating selection of Livery Masters in their gowns and chains of office.
The service started in 1943 to lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz. As far as records show, this was the first occasion that Livery Companies and City Guilds combined to hold a religious service. And is still one of the few annual occasions when we gather together as a whole.
Janet Rivers, Upper Warden.