We Have Lunch In The Drapers Hall
Drapers Hall is not open to the public, but tours can be arranged in advance, and we were lucky enough to be able to join a small group on 1st. November, and to enjoy lunch afterwards.
We are learning so much from these wonderful events; knowing how we are surrounded by our history, which is still relevant today, and having a knowledgeable guide walk through the magnificent rooms with us, explaining the background as we went, really made it come alive.
The Guild of Drapers is one of 12 Livery Companies in the City of London; it is the third one the list, preceded only by the Mercers Company and the Grocers Company; others include the Fishmonger's Company, the Goldsmith's Company, the Haberdashers Company, the Salter's Company and the Ironmonger's Company. What an amazing heritage we enjoy!
The art work in the hall is very interesting, too - I was particularly taken with this bronze of a man being bitten by a lion. I first saw it, "face on," as it were, and found the agonised expression on the man's face really startling in its intensity; but then, walking past the sculpture and viewing it from the rear, as it were, I could appreciate why he was so obviously in agony, with the savagery of the lion's attack.
There are many framed Royal Warrants hanging on the walls, each of them beautifully illuminated; one of them also includes a mention of King Edward VIII, for although he was King for less than a year, and never crowned, he is still mentioned in one of the Royal Warrants.
My Mum would have enjoyed all of this visit, too; she loved chandeliers, and there were some magnificent examples hanging in the hall, and two either side of the fireplace:
The picture above shows these chandeliers as viewed through a window from the corresponding hall on the other side of the courtyard. I think it gives a clear perspective of the size and elegance of the lighting!
The peaceful courtyard
1866 UNTO GOD ONLY BE HONOUR AND GLORY 1910
This stained-glass window in the corridor contains the coats of arms of
Prince William of Orange; Prince Carl of Denmark; HRH Prince Albert; HRH the Princess Elizabeth
After the tour, we had lunch of roast chicken, lemon tart and coffee (tea was made for Wendy and me) and petit fours, and I was really impressed with the way dietary requests had been complied with. Because it's impossible to ascertain before any function if the food will be as plain as I personally would like it to be, I never worry if it will really suit me on the day; if it doesn't, when I get home, I can soon rustle up something I do like! But on this occasion, it was so pleasing to have a decent lunch, with good company.
My opposite number at the table was a lovely lady and we discovered we shared so many similar interests and experiences - including knowing the words to old songs from the Music Halls (my Grandma taught me so many, from all the shows she went to, as a girl) and well-loved stage musicals. We ended up singing (quite softly!) "Oh, oh, Antonio, he's gone away... Left me on my own-io, all on my own-io..." - and how well I remember Grandma and me, belting out that particular ditty at full blast!
I wish the lady from this lovely afternoon and I had thought to exchange contact details; we didn't, but we both agreed it had been a most delightful occasion. Perhaps we shall meet again at another event.
Because we were still wary of travelling by public transport, we decided to book a taxi to take us in to London; after the lunch ended, the driver also picked us up at 2.30, to drive us back home again.
What a lovely time was had by us all!
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