The city Livery Club was originally formed in June 1914 for Liverymen of the City of London but has since expanded its membership to include Freemen of Livery Companies, Members of the Guild of Freemen, and, as associate members. Members of Ward Clubs and City of London Branch members of the Royal Order of St. George and City of London Branch members of the Institute of Directors.
The objective of the Club was to afford the Members means of friendly association and to generally promote the interests of the City Livery Companies, to uphold and strengthen the traditions of the City Civic; encourage the Livery to exercise its right to elect the Sheriffs and nominate Aldermen for the office of Lord Mayor and to promote active participation in the City’s governance.
The Club was formed in June 1914 and had as its first Headquarters the De Keysers Hotel, Victoria Embankment. It then moved to St. Brides Institute and in 1923 to the Williamsons Hotel, Bow Lane, Cheapside EC2. On 1st January 1927 the Chapter House, St. Pauls Churchyard became the home of the Club until 29th December 1940 when, like many London buildings, it was severely damaged by enemy action.
The next move was to Butchers Hall in Bartholomew Close, that too was badly blitzed on the 10th May 1941 but the Liverymen managed to continue to occupy the premises until the end of July 1944 when the Hall was again attacked and became uninhabitable.
After many months of anxious search the Club moved to Sion College on Victoria Embankment and made this their home. The Club continued to occupy the Sion College premises until June 1996 when they moved to the Insurance Hall, Aldermanbury. The next move was to the Baltic Exchange, St. Mary Axe in September 2003 where for the time being Members are happily accommodated.
During each Presidential year, which runs from October, an exciting programme of official and other events are usually organised. The main or official events are the Installation Dinner, held immediately following the Annual General Meeting, President’s Reception, a Christmas Lunch, Burns Night, the Civic Lunch in May and the Annual Banquet in September. The Club also has a number of Sections which members can join according to their interests, and we hope there is something to interest everyone.
The President also organises an Annual Holiday which in recent years have included visits to Malaysia, Poland, Germany and Dublin.
Four past Lord Mayors have been President of the Club and the current Council includes an Alderman and a number of Common Councilmen.
Over the years the Club has developed reciprocal arrangements with other Clubs throughout the United Kingdom and overseas. It is hoped to extend this to include many other clubs in various countries, especially in this age of travel by so many of our members.