We are proud to announce that the 14th Richmond Boating Centre has two new members accepted into the Worshipful Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the Thames and Freeman of the City of London. This is myself (Trevor Hall ) and Chris Shaw
We Join our centre President, Vic Griffiths in this esteemed and historic Company.
Watermen and Lightermen have played an integral role in ensuring safe passage along the river for over 500 years.
The Company of Watermen and Lightermen of the River Thames is a venerable ancient guild dedicated to upholding the traditions and values of those who have navigated the iconic River Thames for centuries.
The Company was founded in 1514, when the earliest Act of Parliament for regulating watermen, wherrymen and bargemen received Royal Assent from King Henry VIII.
The role of watermen was to transfer passengers, while lightermen moved goods and cargo.
These days the charitable aims of the Company include providing training and education in the skills needed to navigate rivers and waterways – which fits neatly with the purpose of 14th Richmond Boating Centre (that I manage).
You can find out more about the Company of Watermen and Lightermen on their website The Watermen and Lightermen Company