DISCOVER THE LIVERY. DISCOVER JOINERS & CEILERS.


Curious about the City of London, its Livery Companies and the people behind them ?

Join us for an informal evening at the Guildhall and discover a centuries-old City tradition that today brings together people across professions, generations and backgrounds.


Monday 26 October 2026

The Guildhall Club,
Guildhall, London EC2V 7HH

Reception from 6.00pm
Event begins 6.30pm

One evening. A simple introduction. No obligation.

 

The Guildhall Club,
Guildhall,
London
EC2V 7HH.

Entry via the West Wing Reception; the Club is on the third floor.

Advance registration is required. Registration closing date to be inserted once confirmed

An invitation to discover something different.

You may have heard of the City of London’s Livery Companies without ever really knowing what they are — or perhaps never considered that you could become part of one.

Discover the Livery, Discover Joiners & Ceilers is an informal evening created for exactly that reason.

Come and meet members, hear what being part of a modern Livery Company actually means, and discover the fellowship,
experiences, civic traditions and sense of purpose that membership can offer.

There is no expectation to join and no obligation afterwards. Come because you’re curious

Why come along?

Discover a different side of the City

Experience a tradition that has shaped London for centuries and see why it still matters today

Meet interesting people

Our members span professions, backgrounds and generations, with friendship and fellowship at the heart of Company life

Find purpose as well as fellowship

Support for craftsmanship, apprentices, education, charity and civic life gives membership meaning beyond social events.

What exactly is a Livery Company?

Livery Companies are some of the City of London’s oldest institutions. Historically they developed around trades and crafts. Today they combine their heritage with charitable work, education, fellowship, professional connections and participation in the civic life of the City.

The Worshipful Company of Joiners & Ceilers was founded in 1571, with its roots in joinery and decorative woodcraft. More than 450 years later, we remain proud of that connection to craft while welcoming members from a much wider range of professions and backgrounds.

Could it be for me ?

You don’t need prior knowledge of the Livery movement. You don’t need a family connection. And you don’t need to understand its customs before walking through the door.

Our members include people from business, property, architecture, design, professional services, education, the Armed Forces, craftsmanship and many other walks of life

What they share is an interest in people, fellowship, heritage, contribution and being part of something with purpose.

Craft. City. Fellowship. Purpose.

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Craft

Championing excellence in joinery, woodcraft and the people who sustain these skills

Photo © Copyright Stephen McKay and licensed for reuse under a cc-by-sa/2.0 Creative Commons Licence.
City

Taking an active part in the traditions and civic life of the City of London.

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Fellowship

Creating friendships and connections between people from different professions, backgrounds and generations.

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Purpose

Supporting apprentices, education, craft awards, charitable initiatives and opportunities for future generations.

What will happen on the evening?

Matt Brown from London, England

You’ll be welcomed over drinks before hearing a short, accessible introduction to the Livery movement and the Worshipful Company of Joiners & Ceilers. You’ll meet existing members, hear about their experiences and have the opportunity to ask the questions people often wonder about but rarely get the chance to ask.

  • What does membership actually involve?
  • Who joins?
  • How much time does it take?
  • What happens at Livery events?
  • What is the Freedom of the City?
  • How does somebody actually become a member?

You don’t have to decide anything.

Attending Discover the Livery isn’t an application for membership. It’s simply an invitation to come inside, meet us and find out what we’re about.

If you enjoy the evening and would like to know more, we can explain the next steps afterwards.