History of
The Beadles of London
900 years of service to the Livery Companies of London
Who are the Beadles of the City of London?
Beadle, sometimes spelled "bedel" is derived from the Latin "bidellus" or "bedellus", rooted in words for "herald." He was originally an official of the Roman Temple. The word Beadle has also been used to describe early policemen and church or parish wardens.
The Livery Companies, as they evolved, needed a point of contact between the Master, Wardens, and Court of Assistants and the Livery in general. They therefore appointed (and paid for) a Beadle, who took care of the Company's meeting place ('Hall'), called the Court members and/or Livery together on behalf of the Master, and enforced any disciplinary measures decided by the Court.
The modern day Beadle is appointed as a officer of the company and his responsibilities vary from ceremonial duties, facilities management also being a Toastmaster at company banquets.
Contributing to our Website
2023 Event Dates
| Date | Event | Time | Location |
| 9th January | GPC Installation | 17.00 | Saddlers Library |
| 29th January | AGM Installation Meeting | 18.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 23rd February | CHAIRMAN’S DINNER | 18.15 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 4th March | GPC | 18.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 22nd April | Social Meeting | 18.00 | A City Tavern tbc |
| 24th May | BEADLES ONLY LUNCH | 12.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 10th June | GPC | 18.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 8th July | General Meeting | 18.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 20th September | BEADLES & CLERKS LUNCH | 12.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 7th October | GPC | 17.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| …Followed by | Election Meeting | 18.00 | Innholders’ Hall |
| 9th November | Lord Mayors Procession | 11.15 | Meet at Aldermanbury alongside Guildhall |
| 6th December | CHRISTMAS LUNCH | 12.30 | Cutlers’ Hall |
If you have any documents or images which would help tell the story of the Livery Company Beadle please get in touch.
All of the Livery Companies have detailed records of past Masters, Wardens and Clerks but the role of the Beadles has received less attention. We would like to include names and dates of holders of the posts through the ages (see Rolls of Honour).
Any information would be appreciated as we try to construct a lasting record of the unsung, and usually under-paid stalwarts of the Livery Companies.
We are also pleased to include details of the work of The Ward Beadles.
If you would like to contribute material or a link please contact:
David R Hasler
Beadle to the Cutlers’ Company
Email:
Tel: 020 7248 1866
The Beadles of London - Tradition in Practice
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