City of London - Bank of England

I took Xena for a good walk this morning before coming home and changing and then getting the train to London. I was invited to a lunch by the Master of the Skinners Company, of which Gavin is a court member and this was a lunch for all the partners of the court members to get to know one another.

A little bit of history - in medieval times London's trade was controlled by the trade guilds, and these livery companies still exist today although very few are still involved in their original trades but rather focus on charitable work and many are involved in education. There are currently 110 livery companies in England, Skinners (used to be furriers), Goldsmiths, Mercers, Apothecaries etc. These are ranked in order of precedence and currently Skinners is ranked at 6th place, which is where that expression 'at sixes and sevens' comes from as there was always rivalry between Skinners and Merchant Taylors for their places. The Lord Mayor of London is elected by the liverymen from these companies.

I usually would not go to lunches like this but I do support Skinners as they do so much charitable work, have and support alms houses and support education with seven schools in the group. As Skinners Hall is undergoing restoration work, we were hosted by the Innholders Company at their hall. The beadle shared some of the history of this building - it has been the home of the Innholders livery company since 1512, and when it was burnt in the Great Fire of London in 1666 it was rebuilt on the same site. In their kitchen in the basement you can still see some of the burnt wood from the fire of 1666! I am always in wonder at how old things are in London!

Th lunch was delicious and then it was back home again. This is a photo of the heart of the city, the Bank of England. (City meaning the Square Mile)