To Mansion House and a new Master, 2 November 2022

The Company returned to Mansion House for the Nomination Dinner and of course the installation, in time honoured fashion, of a new Master. The Master elect assisted by the Beadle donned the Master’s Gown and read the Declaration of the Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers:

I, John Rowland Blades McBeath, do solemnly and sincerely declare that I will be true to Our Sovereign Lord, King Charles the Third, his Heirs and Lawful Successors. That I shall endeavour myself the best I can whilst I continue in Office, whereunto I am now chosen, justly and indifferently to execute and cause to be executed my Office in every respect and put in due execution all the good and lawful Laws and Ordinances in the Book of Ordinances expressed and contained without assessing or punishing any Person for reward dread favour or affection and of all and every such goods plate jewels sums of money or any other hiring or things whatsoever that by reason of my said Office shall come to my hands charge or custody I shall according to the Ordinances make touching the same yield and make good true and plain account.

His predecessor then invested him with the badge of office, sometimes called the jewel.

The Jewel

Over 250 diners, including Liverymen their guests and Company guests enjoyed a champagne reception followed by a four course banquet with fine wines in the splendour of the Egyptian Hall. The Post Horn Gallop played by trumpeters from the London Fanfare Trumpets entertained and amused everyone in the traditional style afterwards. Guests included Read Admiral Robert Pedre, Commander UK Strike Force, Colonel Paul Johnson, Commandant Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, Major Luke Dodington, 2i/c the Light Dragoons, Sam Perry, the Birmingham Proof Master and Peter Whitehead from the British Proof Laboratory. Two Gunmakers’ Company Charitable Trust sponsored apprentices, from James Purdey & Sons, Henry Clews and Macie Gray were also guests of the Trust and gave a display of their craftsmanship during the reception.

Master, Master Elect, Wardens and Apprentices
The London Proof House looking ready for the Christmas celebration.

Christmas Greetings 2025

December 21, 2025
A brief message from the Master of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers to all Liverymen at Christmas.
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.
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