109. City Consorts’ Visit to the Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames, 1 February 2024

Jackie Gradosielska, Consort to the Master Waterman and Lighterman, kindly held an afternoon tea for City Consorts at the Watermen’s Hall.  We were greeted by two of the Doggett’s champions, resplendent in their red livery, proudly bearing the silver badge on their sleeve that is awarded to these winners.

Events Manager Liza gave us a potted history of the Company, which was founded in 1514, having received its Royal Assent from King Henry VIII.  In 1555 an Act of Parliament appointed Rulers (=Masters) of all Watermen and Wherrymen working between Gravesend and Windsor.  In 1700 the Company was joined by Lightermen (who carry goods and cargo, as opposed to watermen, who carry passengers).  In 1827 the Company was incorporated by a further Act of Parliament, thus ensuring its independence, as a Guild, rather than a Livery Company.  The Company runs a five-year apprenticeship scheme to gain the Boat Master’s Licence.

The first Hall was burnt down in the Great Fire of London.  The present Hall dates from 1780 and remains the only original Georgian Hall in the City of London.  Liza guided us round the Parlour, where various artefacts were displayed, including the truncheons used to keep order. 

We then went upstairs to the Court Room with its wonderful Wedgwood ceiling, and imposing company crest over the fireplace.

Tea was held in the light and airy Freemen’s Room. An impressive array of cakes was displayed on a long table, but our immediate concerns were deciding on a choice of tea and sandwiches, served by most attentive waiters.  Conversation and champagne sparkled.  We were joined briefly by the Lady Mayoress, who moved round the tables as best she could in the time available.

Riess Ballard, the 2023 winner of Doggett’s Coat and Badge, spoke to us about the race.  This Wager is the oldest boat race in the world.  The first race was held in 1715 so it has now has been contested by Waterman and Lighterman for over 300 years.

Combining tough competition, heritage and pageantry, this rowing race is one of the UK’s most unique events.  The course is longer than the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.  The competitors study for their licence whilst training hard for the race.  The winners are recognised by their distinctive red livery coats and often go on to have long careers on the water, or racing for Great Britain or carrying out ceremonial duties for the Royal Family.

Just when we were about to venture onto the cakes, our waiters brought in jam and cream and warm scones fresh from the oven.  However would we find space for cake as well?  Well, reader, we did – and thankfully we were offered boxes to take away the slices we couldn’t consume at the time.  (Most enjoyable – M.)

Just to complete the feast, we benefitted from the Master’s Polish heritage and apiarist hobby by being offered a glass of wisnjowa - a tasty cherry vodka - and a gift of a pot of honey.

Thank you, Jackie and Ted!