July 7, 2025
The tour went very well, with lots of smiles and laughter as Lance provided interesting facts sprinkled with perfect delivery of humour. The importance of the River Thames and the Pool of London highlighted Garraways Coffee House where ships were sold 'by the candle', which decreed that an auction was governed by the time it took for a candle to melt. The final sale was confirmed when the pin, stuck into the candle before melting, dropped in front of the eager crowd - hence the phrase "you could have heard a pin drop"! The phrase "head count" originates from the time when heads were counted in spikes after their owners had been hung, drawn and quartered!
The importance of the Livery movement was highlighted by The Mercers Maiden showing support within the City. Thanks to Lance for a truly fascinating and informative tour! It was followed by a convivial lunch at the Byward Kitchen. A final thanks to Past Master Mike Lakin for sponsoring this and to Liveryman Lisa Andrews and Assistant Mark Jukes' Events Team for arranging the tour.
