167. Woodmongers’ Banquet Mansion House 22 April 2024

The Woodmongers were the predecessors to two livery Companies - the Carmen and the Fuellers.  They trace their origins to 1328, although their trade predates that, as wood was the primary building material of the medieval city of London and its primary fuel.  Carmen surfaced in 1277 but their trade existed long before, as goods were carried on carts.  They formed a fellowship of St Katherine the Virgin and Martyr of Carters in 1517.  The two guilds fought for control of the carriage of goods.  Eventually the Carmen achieved Livery in 1848 and a new charter in 1946.  As coal replaced wood, Fuellers featured on the coat of arms of the Woodmongers but the Woodmongers had surrendered their Royal Charter in 1667.  The Worshipful Company of Fuellers were granted Livery status in 1984 and a Royal Charter in 2009.  They have been holding a joint Woodmongers’ Supper since 2004.

Thus this was a joint evening with the two Masters taking it in turn for the different stages of the banquet.  The Carmen Company gave out awards for innovation, training and leadership.  New Freemen of each Company were welcomed.  It was a great demonstration of collaboration between companies.

The Water Conservators have much in common with both Companies.  With our promotion of a diverse and sustainable environment we have shared interests with the Fuellers in energy, sources of energy and the impacts of the use of energy, especially climate change.  Carmen focus on surface transport, including road and rail, freight and passenger.  The Company’s principal aims start with the development of transport education for public benefit.  They are particularly interested in the environmental implications of transport, especially with air quality.  As a result almost every time we meet we end up talking about environmental issues.

I was honoured to be hosted on behalf of the Water Conservators by the Masters and Consorts of both Companies for a most enjoyable evening.