Royal Benevolent & Educational Fund for Watermen & Lightermen

An Act of Parliament in 1514 regulated the fares charged on the Thames, but the Watermen continued to act independently until an Act of 1555 which appointed Rulers of all Watermen and Wherrymen working between Gravesend and Windsor, and thus the Company was born. The Lightermen (who carry goods and cargo, as opposed to watermen, who carry passengers) joined the Company in 1700. The Company’s principal activity is that of a working guild, providing services to its Freemen, facilitating an apprenticeship scheme, acting as trustee for its charities and participating in the traditions of the City of London. The Company has over 390 Craft Owning Freemen and also some 500 Journeymen Freemen who have completed a five year apprenticeship to become qualified Watermen and/or Lightermen (now termed the Boat Master’s Licence).