Last Updated on 11/02/2026
The Fellowship of Clerks was established in 1926 as an association for Clerks serving Livery Companies without their own halls. At the time, an Association of Clerks already existed for Companies with halls, but it did not seek to broaden its scope. In response, H. H. Bobart (Basketmakers) and W. S. Pennefather (Clockmakers) founded the Fellowship, which began with seven members and quickly expanded to twenty‑four.
A concise overview of its origins, “Fellowship of Clerks a Short History”, is available to download.
The Fellowship is open to all Clerks and Assistant Clerks (and equivalent roles) of Livery Companies and Guilds. Membership also includes a small number of affiliated bodies, such as the City Livery Club and several regional Livery Companies and Guilds.
Today, the Fellowship has a membership of approximately 285, including around 81 retired members. Retired Clerks remain valued participants and are regularly invited to attend the Fellowship’s suppers and dinners.
The Fellowship organises:
- Two business meetings and suppers each year, and
- An Annual General Meeting and Dinner in March, at which a new Chairman is formally installed.
The organisation is led by an Executive Committee of ten Clerks, responsible for governance, planning, and the overall direction of the Fellowship.
The Fellowship provides a range of practical support for its members, including:
- A free recruitment and clerkship candidate list, guidance, mentoring, and best‑practice advice (available via fellowshipclerks@outlook.com),
- Regular News Bulletins, and
- A quarterly Masters & Clerks Pocket Guide, offering timely information for those serving in senior roles.
