The Company of Watermen and Lightermen, 16 - 18 St-Mary-at-Hill, London, EC3R 8EF
     Telephone: (+44) 020 7283 2373 Fax: (+44) 020 7283 0477 E-mail: admin@watermenshall.org

The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established by an Act of Parliament in 1555 to control the Watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers. Indeed it remains the only ancient City Guild to he formed and controlled by Act of Parliament.

Today the Watermen and Lightermen still work on the River Thames, the former being concerned with passenger transport and the latter with the carriage of goods. The young Freemen of the Company are eligible to participate in the Doggett's Coat and Badge Race, which has been held annually since 1715. This gruelling sculling  race is held each July and the course starts at the steps of London Bridge and finishes to Chelsea Bridge. The winner has the honour of  being awarded the scarlet coat, breeches and silver arm badge that are based on the original costume of an eighteenth century Watermen.

The aims and objectives of the Company are to uphold and maintain its traditions, to maintain its position as new developments occur and to look forward to promoting and increasing the use of the River Thames for pleasure, freight and transport services in keeping with London’s pre-eminence as a capital City.

The Company’s principal activity is that of a working guild, providing services to its Freemen, organising an apprenticeship scheme, acting as trustee for various charities and participating in the traditions of the City of London.

The Company is governed by a Court of Assistants. This is led by the Master and four Wardens who are elected annually by the Court. The Company has over 350 Freemen who are either Craft Owning or appointed as they have a special connection with the River. We also have some 600 Journeymen Freemen who have completed a five year  apprenticeship to become qualified Watermen and/or Lightermen (Now the Boatmaster’s Licence).