John Pitts was delighted to attend this Autumn’s Installation Court Dinner held at Mansion House in the City of London to inaugurate His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex as the new Master of the Worshipful Company of Fuellers.
The event was attended by close on 250 people. After a sumptuous dinner in splendid surroundings, entertainment was provided by the Post Horn Gallop. This is a tradition in the City at such events, in which two postillions vie to out-play one another.
The speech given by Alderman Sir Roger Gifford focussed on the pivotal role of energy in today’s fast changing world. It is clear that the Fuellers are looking forward and are embracing future and sustainable energy sources – as well as the more traditional sources which have involved Members over the centuries.
The history of The Fuellers Company can be traced back to the Livery Company of Woodmongers and Coal Sellers in 1376; its Royal Charter was granted by King James 1 in 1605. Responsible for collection of coal dues and taxes, the Company handled the funds used to rebuild much of the City after the Great Fire of London in 1666, including St.Paul’s Cathedral. Now the Fuellers represent all aspects of the Energy Industries.
Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London.
It is a Grade I listed building was built between the years of 1739 and 1752, in the Palladian style by the surveyor and architect George Dance the Elder. The construction was prompted by a wish to put an end to the inconvenient practice of lodging the Lord Mayor in one of the City Halls. Construction was slowed down by the discovery of springs on the site, which meant piles had to be sunk to lay adequate foundations.
It is used for some of the City of London’s official functions, including two annual white tie dinners. At the Easter banquet, the main speaker is the Foreign Secretary, and in June, it is the turn of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to give his “Mansion House Speech” about the state of the British economy.
eJet is proud to support the Fuellers’ Charitable Trust, which focuses predominantly on young people – with particular support for those with aptitudes for mathematics and science who might otherwise struggle to access the opportunities available to them.