Admission Information
The Shipwrights' Company is proud of its history and origins and strives to maintain the best of the traditions of the City of London and its institutions but it also prides itself on being a modern organisation closely linked to a vital global sector through which its membership is connected. The Company values the best of the past yet welcomes change and maintains a forward-looking focus. We welcome and value the benefits that diversity can bring and believe that attracting the widest pool of talent to engage with the Company will assist in building both a Company and City of London fit for the future. As part of the Shipwrights' Company’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, it invites potential members with a close involvement in maritime affairs, regardless of their background, sex, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, age, and disability.
Membership of the Shipwrights' Company may be held in two grades - Freeman and Liveryman. Men and women may apply to become Freemen in one of three ways:
- by right of Patrimony. In order to claim this right, you must have been born when one of your parents was already a Freeman of the Company
- by Servitude, following a full apprenticeship to a member. This way has for practical purposes almost ceased to exist.
- by Redemption, which requires an application supported by two members of the Court and two Liverymen. This has become by far the most common way.
In addidtion the Company may award the Freedom by Presentation honoris causa for those who are elected by the Court at its discretion by reason of their special contribution to the Company or distinction in maritime or national affairs.
Applications for admission by redemption must be supported by four Liverymen, one of whom must be a serving member of the Court or a Retired Past Prime Warden.
All four sponsors must give their reasons, in writing, for supporting the applicant, including how long they have known the applicant, how they met and why they believe the applicant would make a good Shipwright and would be interested in and support the Company’s activities.
Sponsors should know the applicant well enough both professionally and privately to be satisfied that he or she will be a worthy Freeman or Liveryman and a credit to the Company.
No more than two sponsors should be with the same organisation and no more than one family member may propose a new applicant from their own immediate family and sign that individual’s form.
Applications are considered by the Admissions Committee, which consists of the four Wardens chaired by a Past Prime Warden, and makes its recommendations to the Wardens’ Committee chaired by the Prime Warden which submits them to the Court for formal approval.
Applicants for admission to the Company by redemption who do not know enough members sufficiently well to secure four sponsors may apply to be interviewcd by the Admissions Committee, but every effort will be made to introduce applicants to Shipwrights at suitable informal events.
The Freedom of the Company is for life - "shall be and continue a Freeman until he happen to die".
Freemen intending to progress and become Liverymen of the Shipwrights' Company must fulfil two conditions:
- become a Freeman of the City of London
- have a close involvement in maritime affairs
Freedom of the City of London
To be eligible for the Freedom of the City through a Livery Company applicants must be:
- a Freeman of a Livery Company
- above the age of 21 years
- not an undischarged bankrupt
- never convicted of a criminal offence (convictions spent under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 need not be disclosed).
The Clerk to the Chamberlain's Court can be reached on: 020 7332 1008
email: court.assistant@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Chamberlain's Court, Guildhall, London EC2P 2EJ
Admission to the Freedom of the City is conducted in two stages:
- application - previously conducted in person the interviews are now conducted virtually;
- the ceremony of admission to the Freedom at the Guildhall.
N.B. If an applicant's name appears on the City of London electoral roll, their application does not require the approval of the Court of Aldermen and only one appointment is necessary.
The application must be completed on a COA Form which can be dowloaded here.
Shipwrights' Company Membership Annual Fines and Donations
Both Freemen and Liverymen pay a charge or "fine" on admission and an annual membership fine thereafter. In the case of Liverymen this comprises Annual Fines of Quarterage ("club subscription") and Tallage ("dining subscription"). There is also a scheme whereby Liverymen and Freemen may elect to make an annual donation to the Company's charitable funds under Gift Aid.
The Company's administrative and financial year runs from 1st May to the following 30th April.
If you would like to learn more or you would like to request an Application Pack, please contact the Clerk. (office@shipwrights.co.uk).