Chelsea Pensioners’ Visit 2025

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 gown, as the photograph shows. ‘The Boys of the Old Brigade’ were met by the Master, Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Proof Master and Liveryman Hallowes. Michael has developed a first-class relationship with the Hospital and liaises regularly there with Lt Col De De Watts. Their Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL, will lunch with the Company in September.


The entrée was a talk by the Master on our history, followed by mains with the Proof Master explaining our work before showing examples maintained by the Company.



The Pensioners then stamped their own key fobs with the military proof mark to record their visit before retiring to the cool Court Room for tea and biscuits to learn about the Livery followed by discussions on military and mutually related matters.


Jubilant and entertained the party left at 3.30pm, sorry 15.30hrs!


Coat of arms with weapons, flags, and Latin inscription:

The Achievement of Arms

October 5, 2025
Our identity as the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers certainly transcends the words themselves. In fact, our particular style of Livery is a unique combination of our heritage, the work of the Proof House and the Clerk’s office, and the day-to-day contributions […] The post The Achievement of Arms appeared first on Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

Gunmakers Master Made Fellow

October 2, 2025
Richard Hefford-Hobbs Awarded Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering  Richard Hefford-Hobbs FREng has been awarded the esteemed Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a prestigious honour recognising his exceptional contributions to the field of engineering.   The announcement was made on the 24th of September 2025, highlighting Richard as one of a select few […] The post Gunmakers Master Made Fellow appeared first on Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.

Awards from the Certification Panel

October 1, 2025
The Certification Panel met on Wednesday 1st October to recognise three very different contributions to the craft of Gunmaking. Joe, above, was certified as a Proof Technician in recognition of his skill, dedication, and creativity in the craft of Gun Proof. Louie received his solid silver medal as winner of the McMillan Trophy in 2024. […] The post Awards from the Certification Panel, 1st Oct 25 appeared first on Worshipful Company of Gunmakers.
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