A message from the Prime Warden
Dear Fellow Basketmakers,
I enjoyed leading a party of Basketmakers at the Annual Sheep Drive, exercising the ancient right of Freemen of the City of London to drive sheep over the Thames. We were delighted to be the first group crossing into the City over Southwark Bridge after the event was opened by Hollywood actor Damian Lewis. Many thanks to The Woolmen for organising such a memorable day and The Guild of Young Freemen for shepherding us all safely across.
Warmest wishes,
Dorothy
Lady Lauriston, Immediate Past Prime Warden
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Who we are
For centuries, our members were all professional basketmakers and we regulated their trade in the City. Today we welcome people from all walks of life.
We continue to promote the craft of basketmaking and through our Charitable Trust we also help good causes and communities across London.
We have earned a reputation as one of the friendliest Livery Companies, and our social programme extends from formal dinners to family days out, including our well-known basketmaking days.
Basketry is an ancient craft - the oldest known baskets were found at Fayum in Egypt and dated to c.10,000BC. We cannot claim such a long history, but we celebrated our 450th anniversary in 2019 - the Worshipful Company of Basketmakers was formally constituted by the Court of Aldermen in 1569 to help support the trade.
Today we are an inclusive and friendly Livery Company which supports basketry, the City of London and London charities.
Please contact our Clerk for further information or visit our Membership page.
