You’ve walked past it.
You’ve admired the river views.
You may have even hosted an event here.
But do you know about the history of Glaziers Hall?
This isn’t just another stunning London view. Every brick, arch and pane of glass has a story to tell, and we’ve got almost 1,000 years’ worth of them.
It all Started with Glass
Long before the buzz of networking receptions and conferences, the Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass were busy perfecting their craft.
First recorded in 1328 and granted their Coat of Arms in 1558, the Glaziers were London’s glass experts, responsible for designing, making and repairing everything from cathedral windows to decorative glass panels.
Written records from as early as 1364-65 detail their work and place in the City’s history, while a Royal Charter from King Charles I in 1638 secured their position among London’s prestigious and historic Livery Companies.
The original Glaziers Hall stood in Fye Foot Lane, until it was lost to the Great Fire of London in 1666. For more than 300 years, the Glaziers didn’t have a permanent home.
From Warehouse to Guild Hall
Fast forward to 1808. A new warehouse was built alongside John Rennie’s original London Bridge, right next to the so-called ‘Nancy Steps’. These were made famous by Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist.
Known as the Hibernia Chambers, this building stored everything from Irish dairy imports to general goods. In 1850, an extra floor was added to increase capacity.
By the late 1970s, the Glaziers saw their opportunity. Along with two other prestigious Livery Companies – the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers and the Worshipful Company of Launderers – they leased the building and transformed it into a new Glaziers Hall.
In 1978, HRH the Duchess of Kent, Honorary Freeman of the Glaziers Company, officially opened the venue, marking the end of a centuries-long wait for a permanent base.
A Space that Keeps Evolving
Glaziers Hall may be filled with history, but it’s far from frozen in time. Today, it combines heritage with high-tech facilities. From modern AV equipment, ultra-fast Wi-Fi to flexible layouts for gatherings of 12 to 300 people.
That means we can host a state-of-the-art product launch in the morning and a traditional Livery banquet in the evening – all under the same roof.
Your Turn to Make History
Every event adds a new chapter to the Glaziers Hall story and yours could be next.
Whether you’re planning an awards night, a wedding, a conference or a celebration, you’ll be in good company, following in the footsteps of craftspeople, tradesmen, dignitaries and innovators who have been gathering here for centuries.
For your chance to experience Glaziers Hall, why not arrange a visit? Our friendly and knowledgeable events team would be happy to welcome you, show you around and share more of the stories hidden within these walls.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.
Call our team on 020 7402 3300 or email us at sales@glaziershall.co.uk.