78. The Worshipful Company of Cutlers – 600th Anniversary

The history of the craft of Cutlers dates back to the 12th century and in 1285 the first reference is found to a “house of the Cutlers”. On 4th December 1416 the craft received its first Royal Charter from King Henry V – the only such Charter given by Henry during his reign.

So this year the Company celebrates its Sexcentenary. Ralph Riley, our Clerk, and I were invited to join in the celebrations held on Monday 5th December – firstly at a Service of Thanksgiving in the beautiful Priory Church of St Bartholomew the Great and then a reception in the Grand Hall of the Old Bailey. Both were attended by almost all Livery Masters and their Clerks – a magnificent turnout for a very important celebration.

In his address, the Chaplain said he was looking forward to seeing as many of us as possible in 2416 to celebrate 1,000 years of the Cutlers Company!

Many thanks to the Master Cutler for including us in this celebration.

Photographs show the invitation and order of service, and the magnificent domed ceiling of the Grand Hall.