Pageant Crews and Crafts
Nine companies are joining the Company of Watermen and Lightermen in the 2023 Coronation to Coronation Pageant. These are:
The Company of Watermen and Lightermen
The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames was founded in 1514, when the earliest Act of Parliament for regulating watermen, wherrymen and bargemen received Royal Assent from King Henry VIII. Under a further Act of 1555 the Company introduced apprenticeships for those wishing to learn the skills of the Watermen. In 1700 the Lightermen (carriers of goods/cargo) joined the Watermen’s Company. The Company is a working guild and is very actively involved with the life of the River and those who work on it. The Company is governed by a Court of Assistants, led by the Master and four Wardens, who are elected annually by the Court.
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths, more commonly known as the Goldsmiths' Company, is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London and received its first royal charter in 1327.The purpose of the Goldsmiths' Company is to contribute to national life by supporting craftspeople, protecting consumers and working with charitable partners to help people improve their lives.
The Goldsmiths will row a Skerry made by Mark Edwards at Richmond Bridge Boathouses, for the Charity Skerries 4 Schools.
Worshipful Company of Founders
Tracing its existence back to 1365, in its earliest form the Founders' Company was made up of craftspeople who specialised in brass and 'latten' (an alloy of copper and zinc resembling brass), including making 'candlesticks, buckles, straps and other such like articles'. The term has evolved greatly over time, and now encompasses a very wide range of trades and professions, with people from all walks of life.
The Founders will row a cutter, "Belle Founder", built by Mark Edwards of Richmond Bridge Boathouses about 20 years ago. The Founders race regularly in events organised by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association.
The Barbers’ Company is one of the oldest livery companies, having celebrated its 700th Anniversary in 2008. Charitable activities underpin the ethos of the Company and reflect, in large part, its medical origins. Whilst being thoroughly modern in the way it operates, the Company cherishes its history and many of its ancient customs and keeps these alive by continuing its own traditions and fully participating in the civic life of The City of London.
The Barbers Company will row the "Barber's Cutter", constructed by Mark Edwards at Richmond Bridge Boathouses to a design devised by the Company of Watermen and Lightermen, in 2004.
Worshipful Company of Water Conservators
The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators is a modern Livery Company, founded as a Guild in 1988 and achieving full livery status in 2000. It promotes awareness of the science, art and practice of water and environmental management.
The Water Conservators will row the cutter, "Water Forget-me-not", built by Mark Edwards and first launched in October 2000. It will be rowed by a mixed crew from Thames Barbarians Pilot Gig Club and Clayton Skiff rowers from Gravesend.
Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects
The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects is a modern Livery Company. The Company promotes quality architecture in the City of London and the architectural profession globally; it supports education through awards and prizes as well as a range of charities related to the City. The Worshipful Company of Chartered Architects achieved Livery status in 1988 - just four years after it was founded in 1984, and received the Royal Charter in 2019.
The Chartered Architects will row the Cornish Gig, "Newquay", in only the third time since Since Queen Elizabeth II's coronation that the Gig has left Cornwall.
Based at Our Stanford-le-Hope, London Port Health Authority deals with all port health matters including food and feed imports at London Gateway, Tilbury, Purfleet, Thamesport and Sheerness, and London City Airport, as well as infectious disease, illness or death on board a vessel or aircraft.
London Port Health Authority will row the cutter "Vittoria", which is two years old and was generously donated to the London Port Health Authority by past Chairman Mr Jeremy Simons.
The club started in June 2013, and has over 100 members. It is passionate about getting more people rowing and supports the Skerries for Schools project teaching school children to row.
RBBC will row the cutter, "Sara Lisa".