4. Annual Service of Dedication of Knights Bachelor, 18th July 2019

Crypt, Chapel of St Faith

Judy and I arrived at St Paul’s for the Annual Service of Dedication of Knights Bachelor in St Faith’s Chapel in the Crypt in torrential rain. Just as well that doorstep discussion before we left the house in Islington had led us to the conclusion that two umbrellas would be better than one! But even so, we were substantially soaked!

The service was well worth the soaking however – wonderful pageantry, soaring fanfares, the three symbols of knighthood being carried in the procession – the Sword; the Spurs; and the Pennons.

We were privileged to be able to listen to some beautiful anthems sung by the Choir as well as an excellent Address by Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London.

Courtyard, Apothecaries Hall

Afterwards, we walked the short distance to Apothecaries Hall, for a lunchtime post - Service Reception. Apothecaries Hall was a splendid and historic venue for the Reception, being the oldest  extant livery hall in The City of London, with the first- floor structure and arrangement of the Great Hall, Court Room and Parlour remaining as built between 1668 and 1670.