The Company of Watermen was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to regulate watermen and wherrymen carrying passengers by boat under oars on the River Thames.  It remains the only ancient City Guild to be formed and controlled by Parliament.  See the History & Heritage section (link above) for more details.

Today, as well as providing superb facilities for conferences, banqueting etc., the Company:

 - trains the Watermen and Lightermen working on the River Thames

 - organises the annual Doggett Race from London Bridge to Chelsea

 - is the Trustee of several notable charities

 - provides historical information for people trying to trace ancestors who worked on the Thames