Jacqueline Burrows becomes Master of a City Livery Company

You may know something about the history, rights and traditions of the City of London. There is Dick Whittington, the most famous medieval Lord Mayor; the ancient right to drive sheep over London Bridge; the annual Swan Upping, a swan count that begins in London and ends in Abingdon; and the spectacular Lord Mayor’s Show. At these events and ceremonies, people wear magnificent robes, gold chains and even tricorn hats adorned with feathers. These are the Masters of the City’s 114 historic Livery Companies – organisations which began hundreds of years ago as trade guilds. 

Many still bear the names of ancient and sometimes long-forgotten trades and crafts, such as the Mercers, Tallow Chandlers and the Loriners. Others are much more recent, representing professions and industries ranging from nursing and engineering to information technology and environmental services. Today, Livery Companies are perhaps best known for their charitable work, their support for education and professional development, and the friendship and fellowship they offer their members. 

In summer 2026, alumna Jacqueline Burrows (Class of 1975), became the 73rd Master of the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers & Tobacco Blenders. The Company’s origins date back to the 17 century, when it was first established to regulate the makers of clay tobacco pipes in the City of London, but was dissolved in the 19 century. Although clay pipe making is now a heritage craft, with only a very small number of makers remaining in Britain, the Company was revived in 1954 and is thriving, with more than 200 members. 

Jacqueline's journey to becoming Master is rather different from that of the poor and mostly illiterate pipe makers who founded the Company under King James I in 1619. After leaving SHSK in 1975, she built a career in corporate affairs, politics and communications, including senior international roles with Rothmans International and Imperial Tobacco. After retiring in 2011, she graduated in 2015 with a first-class degree in English Literature from the University of Bristol, and became increasingly involved in the work of her Livery Company, serving on its committees and eventually becoming its Senior Warden before being elected Master in June. Her year of office runs until June 2027. As Master, Jacqueline chairs the Company's Court of Assistants – its governing body – and works closely with the Learned Clerk, who manages the Company's day-to-day affairs. She helps set its strategy, chairs its meetings and represents the Company at civic and Livery events throughout the year.

It is a role that combines history with very modern responsibilities. Alongside preserving the Company's heritage, Jacqueline is involved in its charitable work, governance and financial affairs, supports its members and encourages the next generation to become involved in the Livery movement. 

There is certainly plenty of ceremony. During her year as Master she will take part in the Lord Mayor's Show, attend civic occasions at Guildhall, including the election of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, and represent the Pipe Makers at Livery lunches and dinners in the historic Livery halls as well as at the Remembrance Day Ceremony; attend church services in St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and enjoy special lectures and other events across the City. 

But beneath the robes and ceremonies is something more important: leadership, service and community. Livery Companies have changed enormously since their origins as guilds, established to protect and regulate trades such as goldsmithing, baking and weaving. Yet many of the principles that sustained them remain relevant today – supporting people at the beginning of their careers, encouraging professional excellence, raising money for charity, preserving heritage and bringing people together. Jacqueline's experience is also a reminder that there is no single route into leadership, and her Mastership now brings together her many years of corporate and professional experience, her love of history and her longstanding commitment to the Livery Company. 

The Livery Companies are not simply relics of the past. They are living organisations, adapting to the modern world while retaining centuries of history and tradition.  There will be a Livery Company to suit you as you move into your own careers, whether it's with the Guild of Young Freemen or a Company that suits your own professional choice, such as the Information Technologists or the Nurses. Perhaps one day, you too could find yourself wearing the robes and chain of a Master – helping to lead an organisation, supporting good causes, representing your fellow members and keeping its traditions alive for the next generation.

Jacqueline Burrows