Page 11 - A4 Journal 2019

The Master’s Year

King John (1199-1216), one year before he died of dysentery, thankfully signed the Bill of rights with the Barons, that not
only respected the rights of Citizens, but established the Lord Mayor as only one of two guarantors charged with ensuring
that the Crown kept its side of the bargain. Meanwhile, across the channel, the King of France, Phillippe Augustus (Phillip II),
gave another important right to its citizens, that became enshrined in French Law – a right of passage for Merchants going to
Champagne Fairs, guaranteeing them safety of travel from anyone trying to impede their passage. For anyone found to harm
or obstruct the merchant’s right to go to and from the champagne fairs, then they would be guilty of Lèse-Majesté (doing
wrong to majesty – and therefore an offense against the dignity of the reigning Monarch.) I am therefore pleased to inform
you that our wines for this evening found safe unimpeded passage up the M11 from Le Majestic Chislehurst!

Meanwhile (and back to the plot!) – There was a wobble with the “Magna Carta Liberatum” – or as better known the “Great
Charter of Liberties”, for it was annulled by John’s arch nemesis Pope Innocent III, who had excommunicated John from the
Church, for being “sinfully lustful and lacking in piety”, fuelled no doubt by regularly exercising his right of passage to
Champagne fairs! By so doing so he revoked the Magna Carta.
Thankfully John’s son Henry III re-issued the Great Charter immediately following his accession in 1216. If this had not taken
place then I doubt we would be here celebrating a Master’s weekend from a City Livery Company or attending the election of
Sheriffs or the Lord Mayor. More importantly we would not have a bill of rights to protect all of us as citizens.

Therefore we should be thankful to King John and more especially to his heir and successor, Henry III … and to all of you for
being here to support this weekend and for making it a very special evening for Jessica , my family and I. We shall add this to
our treasure trove of wonderful memories. May we wish you all a wonderful summer and see you in September and
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especially for our Charity Gala dinner on 19 September at Lords!”

Formal Events

As usual, there were three Formal Evening Events during the year plus the Annual Carol Service.
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The first was the all-important Installation Dinner on 10 October 2018, which followed the Installation Service where the
new Master, Mike Parrett was duly installed at a Church Service that was conducted by our Honorary Chaplain, Revd Canon
David Parrott, who was not afraid of underlining the similarity of their two surnames!
Mike was first clothed as Master by the outgoing Master, who sought affirmation from him that he would undertake the Office
with due reverence and commitment. Having been clothed Mike then installed Tony Ward as the Immediate Past Master,
clothing him in his purple gown and he then charged his Wardens with the importance of their high office.
• Sir Vivian Ramsey was installed as the Senior Warden
• Arthur Seymour was installed as the Middle Warden
• David Sheehan was installed as Renter Warden.
Mike then installed the newest Warden (CA Terry Withers) as Junior Warden.
The Church Service underlined the importance of this annual occasion in the Constructors’ year and was attended by many
Court Assistants and members of the Company, as well as some of the Company Guests and personal guests of the Master.
The service was splendidly accompanied by Catherine Ennis, the organist of St Lawrence Jewry and the singing was led by the
St Lawrence Jewry Choir. On completion of the church service the Master, Wardens and congregation made their way to
Drapers’ Hall for the Installation Dinner.

The Installation Dinner in Drapers’ Hall The Kings Men
Autumn 2019 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | Page 11