SFC

At this time of the year, whilst ‘four and twenty black birds’ fill our kitchen with their unmistakable aroma, my thoughts turn to other inedible, black targets as I have been fortunate enough to represent the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers at the annual Inter-livery Clay Shoot held at Holland & Holland’s glorious grounds. Although never one to take clays really seriously, the fear of disappointing my team spurred me on to get practising. The sheer number of teams entered was enough to induce panic, but I needn’t have worried myself as we had a wonderful day and the Gunmakers, as they should be, are always amongst the silver.

Becoming a Liveryman of this ancient Company has to be one of the most incredible privileges I have experienced. Nothing can prepare you for your first visit to the venerable Proof House, where the Company has its headquarters, and I was barely able to contain my excitement, stepping through those doors into my version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The sheer wonder at being surrounded by so much palpable history coupled with the business-like manner in which the working side of the Proof House operates is hugely impressive. Myriad weapons cross the threshold daily to receive the all-important London Proof Mark of ‘GP’ beneath a Crown. Even the main armaments fitted to Apache attack helicopters

are visited by the expert team to undergo proof as the courtyard is not big enough to accommodate these behemoths.

The Proof House resides on Commercial Road, nestled like a Georgian jewel amongst the monotone high-rise offices, now sitting further outside the City after a mishap with gunpowder in 1663 destroyed the Company’s previous home at Aldgate. Incorporated by Royal Charter in 1637, the Company was, and still is, responsible for proof-testing gun barrels and actions for safety. This is achieved by firing an over-pressure charge of propellant through it. If the gun survives undamaged, it will be safe to shoot, if it doesn’t, it is deemed unfit for sale and no gun can be sold legally in the UK without Proof Marks. We are terribly proud of the fact that our Livery Company is still very much a working organisation and guardian of trade standards. It is also the custodian of some fine traditions and a meeting place for like-minded individuals. We are both very much at home there amongst the gun smoke and gatherings.