153 years of military service paraded at The Proof House when eight In-Pensioners from The Royal Hospital Chelsea visited on Tuesday 12 August 2025. Despite the 31°C they looked magnificent in their ‘Scarlets’ (never ‘Reds’) and their gleaming medals, so much so that the Master matched them in fighting off a chill by donning his […]
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As our Clerk announces every year at the Nomination Dinner for the new Master, the organisation and operation of our Company is governed by two documents: our Charter, granted by King Charles I in 1637; and the Ordinances granted by his son, King Charles II, in 1670. Both are illuminated documents, inscribed on vellum, which […]
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On 22 May, we were delighted to formalise our affiliation with the West Ham Sea Cadet Unit in a ceremony at their Canning Town HQ. The Master presented an affiliation certificate, a naval cannon trophy for future competitions, and a £500 donation on behalf of our Charity, the Gunmakers Trust. A follow-up visit to the Proof […]
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The historic Guildhall in London played host to the annual Common Hall, a vibrant gathering that showcased the rich tapestry of London’s livery companies. This celebrated event brought together masters and representatives from various guilds, each adorned in their distinctive gowns, creating a stunning visual spectacle of colours and intricate designs. The Master, Upper Warden, […]
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This year’s Summer Banquet was held at Trinity House on Tower Hill on Wednesday 25 June. This was the Gunmakers’ first visit in many years to this splendid and treasure-filled establishment that is home to the Corporation of Trinity House which, although not a Livery Company, shares with us a regulatory function similarly granted by […]
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The historic Guildhall in London played host to the annual Common Hall, a vibrant gathering that showcased the rich tapestry of London’s livery companies. This celebrated event brought together masters and representatives from various guilds, each adorned in their distinctive gowns, creating a stunning visual spectacle of colours and intricate designs. The Master, Upper Warden, […]
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The Gunmakers Team competed in the fourth annual Coopers’ Company ‘Cask Race’ at The Guildhall last Saturday. This is a thrilling and unique competition where teams of four roll oak barrels ( casks ) cross the Guildhall Yard, in a relay style race, embracing the fun, tradition and fellowship of the Livery Companies. Many different […]
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Dr Nick Harlow writes, Richard Purdey was born in 1942, the son of former Master, ‘Jok’ Purdey. After his parents divorced, he spent his early life in Eastbourne, before being educated at Shrewsbury. Although initially interested in going to the Royal Agricultural College to study Agriculture, his father instead arranged with Richard Beaumont that he […]
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In early May, the Master organised a visit to the Gallyon workshops in Cambridgeshire where we were hosted by both Master and Adam. The Master and Adam took over the ownership of the business from past Master Richard Gallyon (still an ambassador the business). We learned about the history of Gallyon dating back to1784 in Cambridge and how both the […]
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The Master and Clerk were in attendance at the remarkable VE Day Evensong service held at St Paul’s Cathedral, led by the Lord Mayor. The Master reports: “It was a poignant occasion that commemorated the sacrifices and resilience of those who served during World War II. The atmosphere was imbued with a sense of reverence […]
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