Masters ready to process
Newly elected Sheriffs Prem Goyal and Tim Levene
The paperwork

Election of Sheriffs and Ale Conners at Common Hall

24th June 2026

Guildhall

Midsummer's Day in the City brings one of the oldest and most important traditions in the civic calendar: Common Hall at Guildhall, where Liverymen gather to elect the two Sheriffs of the City of London, together with the Ale Conners and other officers.

It's a ceremony that has changed little over the centuries. Presided over by the Lady Mayor and attended by the Aldermen, members of the Court of Common Council and representatives of Livery Companies across the City, the occasion is a reminder that the Livery movement continues to play a vital constitutional role in the governance of the Square Mile. Electing the Sheriffs has been our privilege for more than 550 years, linking today's modern City with its mediaeval past.

After breakfast at Carpenters' Hall I hotfooted it (quite literally) to Guildhall. Arriving in Guildhall Yard in the searing heat, Masters and friends were gathered on benches in the only patch of shade available, looking like a flock of roosting pigeons as we waited for Clerks and Beadles to arrive with gowns, chains and the rest of our ceremonial paraphernalia.

Meeting Beadle Dan in the relative cool of the Crypts at 1030, I was a little over-keen to don my furry gown and heavy chain. Once robed, I had to stand around for an hour, waiting for the procession to form, and getting increasingly warm. Every day is a learning day.

At 1130, Masters assembled in our numbered groups to be poked and prodded by Guildhall staff into our correct positions. Common Hall has its own traditions, and we enter Guildhall in reverse order. As Company Number 82, I process alongside the Master Air Pilot (81), with the Master Furniture Maker (83) and Master Scientific Instrument Maker (84) ahead of us rather than behind. That's four lady Masters: we are increasing in number every year!

Guildhall was packed with Liverymen as we entered, and we processed to our seats at the front of the Hall with the Masters of the Great Twelve Companies taking their places on the platform alongside the Aldermen, Sheriffs, Lady Mayor, and other dignitaries. It was a pleasure to spot Past Master Fiona Adler, in her role as Honorary Secondary at the Old Bailey, and Liveryman Biagio Fraulo, splendidly turned out in his green and gold Ward Beadle's uniform, as they processed past us.

The Town Crier called for all Liverymen to be uncovered in Hall and instructed anyone who was not a Liveryman to leave on pain of imprisonment. No-one scuttled out and so we began.

Each nomination was greeted with a resounding cry of "All!" and every candidate was elected unanimously. The Ale Conners, whose title invariably raises a smile, have long since ceased tasting ale for quality, but their election is another charming reminder that the City preserves and enjoys its traditions.

I have found a newspaper report from 1829 when a "ruby faced Pipe Maker of Joiner Street" was summonsed to undertake the office of Ale Taster for the Little Guildable Manor of Southwark, but refused, saying he'd done it for fifteen years already and didn't want to do it again, despite loving his King and country. He complained that all the ale houses in his area had been taken down to build St Thomas's, but was eventually sworn in by the High Bailiff, who promised it was a sinecure.

Aldermen Prem Goyal CBE and the Hon Tim Levene both gave excellent acceptance speeches, describing their very different pathways to becoming Sheriffs. The Livery Committee's report was delivered, the formal business concluded, and we processed out behind the Lady Mayor and returned to the Crypts to remove our gowns.

Then followed another enjoyable City tradition: dispersing to various Livery Halls for lunch. Tobacco Pipe Makers usually make their way to Stationers' Hall, where our gowns are stored, but as I was the only member of our Company at Common Hall this year I joined the Master Nurse and members of her Company, together with the Master Cook and others at Innholders' Hall.

Common Hall is one of those unique occasions where London's history, ceremony and constitutional purpose come together. It is fascinating to see, surprisingly brief, and well worth attending. It isn't open to Freemen but I encourage every Liveryman who can to come along on Michaelmas Day, 29 September 2026, and support the Pipe Makers at the next Common Hall, at which we will elect the new Lord Mayor.