The Installation Dinner was held at Merchant Taylors' Hall on Wednesday 28 October 2026, and was immediately followed by the installation of Louise Thompson as our new Master. The Principal Guest was Henry Pollard who was elected Chief Commoner of the City of London for 2025/26.
PRINCIPAL SPEAKER
Principal Guest was Henry Pollard who was elected Chief Commoner of the City of London for 2025/26. He was elected in 2002 as a Member of the City of London Corporation for the Ward of Dowgate of which he is now the Deputy. He sits on various committees including the Investment Committee, Planning & Transportation Committee, and City Bridge Foundation and is Deputy Chairman of the Livery Committee.
MERCHANT TAYLOR"S HALL
The Merchant Taylors’ Company originally known as the Fraternity of St John the Baptist of Tailors and Linen-Armourers, was founded prior to 1300 and acted as the regulator and trade guild for tailoring and its allied crafts. They received their first Royal Charter in 1327.
The Tailors managed to attract prominent members, which greatly increased their status, which led to increasing tensions in particular with the Skinners over civic processions and ceremonies, and the Order of Precedence. This was settled by the Lord Mayor, Robert Billesden, issuing an order in 1484 that the Company ranks in sixth or seventh place in the Order of Precedence, alternating with the Skinners' Company. The annual switch occurs at Easter.
Further details of the Installation Court and Dinner are in preparation, and an article is planned for the next edition of the Fuellers' Magazine.