London St George’s visit Battle

The City of London Branch is the largest branch of the society and has amongst its members and past members, Aldermen, chief commoners and Lord Mayors.

Many members are also Liverymen and Freemen of the City of London.

The Royal Society of St George was founded in 1894 and was permitted to use the ‘Royal’ title from its inception. However Her Majesty the Queen granted a formal Royal Charter to the society in 1963.

That Charter instructs the society to:

* Foster the love of England and to strengthen England and the Commonwealth by spreading the knowledge of English history, traditions and ideals.

* To keep fresh the memory of those, in all walks of life, who have served England or the Commonwealth in the past.

* To combat all activities likely to undermine the strength of England or the Commonwealth.

* To further English interests everywhere to ensure that St George’s Day is properly celebrated and to provide focal points the world over where English men and women may gather together.

The society currently comprises 51 UK branches, 41 overseas branches and 12 affiliated organisations.

This year’s chairman of the City of London Branch is Battle resident John Clemence QPM. Mr Clemence is also the president of the Worldwide Society.

The day trip began with lunch at the PowderMills Hotel, followed by a visit to the Abbey and concluded with a tour of St Mary’s Parish Church, whose parishioners also provided a cream tea.

The latter was arranged by Patricia Roberts, the chief steward and verger of the church with the permission of the Dean of Battle, the Very Reverend Dr John Edmondson.