United Guilds' Service 2025

The 81st Service of the United guilds of the City of London was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in March.

During the Second World War, on 1 February 1943 when the country had been at war for three years with no end in sight, it was decided to hold a service in St Paul’s Cathedral for the Livery Companies and Gilds of the City of London. The idea behind the service was to help lift the spirits of the City following the Blitz. On Thursday 25 March 1943 the Lord Mayor of London, Sheriffs and other dignitaries, along with hundreds of representatives from the City Livery Companies filled the Cathedral in what is thought to be the first occasion on which all of the Livery Companies and Guilds of the city combined to hold a religions service. It has been held annually ever since.

This year’s service was once again a spectacular occasion as Masters, Wardens, Beadles and other officials processed into the Cathedral in their robes and badges of office. In the bidding the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, reminded everyone why they were present:

“We gather in this sacred place to give thanks to Almighty God for the enduring fellowship and service of the Livery Companies. We honour the traditions that carry the memory of the past into the future with confidence and strength. We celebrate the skills, craftsmanship, and dedication that shape each generation. And we commend the generosity of their charitable work, which transforms lives and shares the abundance we have been given.

“In an increasingly fractured world, the City must stand as a beacon of unity, fellowship and solidarity. As divisions grow and discord spreads, we are called to a higher standard – to build bridges where others build walls, to seek understanding where there is conflict, and to lead by example in service and generosity.”