An illuminated manuscript miniature,c.1430-1440, of Edward III of England (1327-1377). The king is wearing a blue mantle, decorated with the Order of the Garter, over his plate armour. From the 1430 Bruges Garter Book made by William Bruges (1375–1450), first Garter King of Arms, British Library, Stowe 594 ff. 7v
On the evening of Monday 12 April 2027, join Vanessa Harding, Professor Emeritus of London History at Birkbeck, University of London for History at The Hall – Why 1327? Navigating power, politics and urban life in Edward III's London
In the early 14th century, London was populous and prosperous. As many as 80,000 people called it home, international trade was booming, and the city’s government of mayor and aldermen was well-established and active in every sphere of urban life.
In 1319, King Edward II granted the City a Royal Charter, confirming its constitution and liberties and fundamentally changing the city’s politics by establishing that no person could obtain the ‘Freedom of the City’ (which allowed them to trade or participate in local government) unless they were a member of a recognised trade or guild.
This was a time of rapid evolution in the structure of the city’s associations of craftsmen and merchants – which included parish fraternities and craft ‘mysteries’. In 1327 four of them, the Girdlers, Goldsmiths, Skinners and Merchant Taylors were each granted their first Royal Charters.
As the four Companies celebrate their 700th anniversaries, join Vanessa Harding, Professor Emeritus of London History at Birkbeck, University of London to discover why Edward II and Edward III chose to favour the city, its trades and citizens in this way; what this formal recognition meant to the Girdlers, Goldsmiths, Skinners and Merchant Taylors; and how it has shaped their futures.
Tickets for History at The Hall – Why 1327? Navigating power, politics and urban life in Edward III's London are priced at £15 per person and include light refreshments (wine, soft drinks and nibbles) after the talk.
Members of the Goldsmiths’ Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) must log in to the Member’s Portal to book their tickets.
Members of the Girdlers, Skinners and Merchant Taylors should contact their Clerk to book tickets.
Doors will open at 17:15 to give attendees the chance to see our current exhibition ahead of a prompt 18:00 start.
Please sign up to our free newsletter to be notified when tickets go on sale.
About the speaker
Vanessa Harding is Professor Emeritus of London History at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research and writing focus on medieval and early modern London, and especially its people and built environment. Vanessa is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and an Honorary Vice-President of the Royal Historical Society. She was Chair of Trustees of the Historic Towns Trust 2022-6, and is currently leading the Trust’s project to map London on the eve of the Great Fire of 1666.
Terms & Conditions
Tickets for History at The Hall – Why 1327? Navigating power, politics and urban life in Edward III's London include a glass of wine or a soft drink, and are non refundable
Members of the Goldsmiths’ Company (Freemen, Liverymen, Members of The Court) are able to book up to four (4) tickets at a discounted rate through the Member’s Portal.
Members of the Girdlers, Skinners and Merchant Taylors should contact their Clerk to book tickets at a discounted rate.
Tickets must be booked in the name of the person who is attending - photo ID that matches the name on the booking will be required to gain entry.
Security & bag policy
Goldsmiths’ Hall operates Airport style enhanced security procedures for all public events - these include a bag scanner and a security arch. Suitcases and items larger than a laptop bag are not permitted inside the building. Unmanned cloakroom facilities will be provide free of charge for coats, bags and umbrellas.
Step-free access to Goldsmiths’ Hall
The main entrance to Goldsmiths’ Hall is on Foster Lane and may not be suitable for visitors who require step-free access. Those who are require level access from street level should ring the bell on Carey Lane, for assistance and access by lift.
The first floor Public Rooms can be accessed by lift from within the ground floor lobby.
If you have any concerns or questions about visiting the building, please email us and we will do our best to assist.