This September, the historic town of Sandwich proudly hosted an event that has already made its mark. In what is hoped to become an annual tradition, a group of ramblers from several prestigious London Livery Companies came to Sandwich for the first-ever Inter-Livery Kent Coastal Hike. Organised by Freeman Amy Hopper, the event not only showcased the beauty of the coastal town but also raised funds for the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust.
The day began at Sandwich Guildhall, where the hikers were greeted by the Right Worshipful Mayor of Sandwich, Councillor Paul Carter. Before setting off, they were treated to a private tour of the Elizabethan Courthouse and Guildhall Museum. Master of the Company of Entrepreneurs, Mark Huxley, presented the Mayor with a signed copy of Jennifer Andersen’s An Introduction to The City of London, which will now take pride of place in the Guildhall archives—a symbolic gesture connecting the rich heritage of London’s Livery Companies with our own historic town.
For those in Sandwich, the event was a unique opportunity to welcome esteemed visitors from London’s ancient Livery Companies. Representatives from the Company of Entrepreneurs, the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, the Worshipful Company of Carmen, the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, and the Worshipful Company of Marketors joined for the walk. It was a rare sight to see these historic groups walking the streets and exploring the famous coastal path—a reminder that while London’s Livery history is long, our town’s heritage is just as significant.
As locals know, Sandwich is a living piece of history, being one of the original Cinque Ports and the site of the Roman invasion in 43 AD. Amy Hopper, a proud Sandwich resident and Freeman of The City of London, shared with the Livery visitors how her ancestors helped shape some of our town’s most iconic landmarks. From Norman to Tudor architecture, our town continues to preserve its unique charm. The Livery members marvelled at the “time capsule” of a town as they walked past buildings that have stood for centuries.
The hike took the group through Sandwich Bay, along the coastal path, and past the renowned Royal St George’s Golf Course. The reward of ice cream and fish and chips in Deal was the perfect end to a successful event, and the shared sense of achievement made it all the more special. With funds raised for the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust and new friendships made, the hike was deemed a resounding success.
The London Livery Companies interest in the historic town and their enthusiasm for the event only added to the day’s excitement. Master Mark Huxley expressed his hope that the hike would become an annual tradition—a sentiment the Mayor of Sandwich wholeheartedly shares. Next year’s hike is already in the diary for September 2025, with more Livery Companies set to join for what is sure to be another unforgettable day along our beautiful Kent coast.
Special thanks to Mayor Paul Carter for his warm hospitality, the Guildhall team for the tour, and Freeman Amy Hopper for organising an event that highlighted the best of both our town and the Livery tradition.
Amy Hopper
