Barbers’ Historical Society

The Barbers’ Historical Society was started in 1987 as the Historical Group, under the chairmanship of Past Master Sir Francis Avery Jones. The aim of the Group was to expand the knowledge of the history of the Company by involving members in original research thereby encouraging greater use of its ever-expanding library and remains its aim today. The Group meets 4 times a year and meetings either take the form of a presentation either by a BHS member or visiting speaker and buffet supper in the Hall, or an outside visit.

2027 marks the 40th anniversary of the BHS being founded, and plans are advancing for next year with a mixture of internal and external speakers.

Upcoming events:

August 30 – 13 September 2026 St Giles’ Cripplegate celebrations marking 60 years since its restoration. There will be a display organised by Liveryman Gaye Henson, covering St Giles’ post-war history and relationship with the Barbers’ Company. Open to all

September 21 2026 11.00am Autumn Walk: a tour of the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths led by Liveryman Richard Pusey

November 9 2026 6.30pm-9pm BHS Meeting with:

Liveryman Gaye Henson on the story of The Barbers' Company and St Giles Church, Cripplegate

and:

Martin Clayton, Head of Prints and Drawings at the Royal Collection, on the Collection's anatomical drawings by Leonardo da Vinci

March 1 2027 6.30pm-9pm. BHS meeting and AGM

Further details to follow

The Society has 3 main aims:

To commission a programme of research and presentations for its quarterly meetings
To encourage members of the Company to use the archives and library for research and to assist the Archivist
To publish at intervals folios of research and to record public presentations and other work done by members

The current officers of the Society are:

Chairman: Sara Cooke
Secretary: Richard Pusey
Treasurer: Richard Mead