Hywelians in London enjoy a tour of the Drapers’ Hall

On the morning of Monday 7^th February, members of the London branch of the Hywelian Guild gathered in the heart of the City of London to visit the beautiful Drapers’ Hall.

Guests met at 10.30 am to enjoy some light refreshments before taking a fascinating tour of the Hall led by archivist, Penelope Fussell. Incorporating the Court Room, the spectacular Livery Hall, the elegant Drawing Room and the richly decorated Dining Room, the tour was a wonderful opportunity to not only learn more about the history of the extraordinary building and the Drapers’ Company but also the history of Howell’s.

Howell’s has enjoyed a long association with the Drapers’ Company. When cloth merchant Thomas Howell died in the 16^th century he entrusted 12,000 ducats to the Drapers’ Company for the support of orphan maidens. Carefully invested in city property, that legacy returned enough to found Howell’s which opened in 1860 and today provides bursaries, a hardship fund, leaving scholarships and care for the school’s historic buildings. We are extremely grateful to the Drapers’ Company for its unstinting support.

Many thanks to everyone involved who made the visit so special.