A Dorset communications professional has taken part in a rarely held City of London ceremony, marking a notable moment both for the Square Mile’s traditions and for female representation within them.
Justine McGuinness presented the Worshipful Company of Communicators’ Letters Patent to the Lady Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley, at Mansion House on 17th April, in the presence of the Sheriffs and Aldermen.
The ceremony formally recognises the creation of a new Livery Company and takes place only once in its history. In 900 years of civic tradition, the Worshipful Company of Communicators is the 113th Livery Company established in the City of London, making such events rare.
McGuinness also unveiled the Livery Company’s new Coat of Arms on the same day.
Livery Companies, which began as medieval trade guilds, continue to play a role in supporting professional standards, charitable activity and industry networks within the City. In recent decades, newer companies have reflected modern sectors, including communications, finance and technology, signalling how the City’s historic structures continue to adapt to contemporary industries.
Letters Patent are formal legal documents issued under the authority of the Monarch and sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm. In this context, they serve as the official paper establishing a new Livery Company.
A first for the City
This occasion also marked the first time the ceremony has been conducted with both the Master of the Livery Company and the Lord Mayor being women. Dame Susan Langley is only the third woman to hold the role of Lord Mayor of the City of London. Justine McGuinness said: ‘Coming from and living in a rural county like Dorset, I am honoured to represent the PR and communications industry. I was delighted to present our Letters Patent to the Lady Mayor at such a rarely performed ceremony. It was an extraordinary experience, combining the ancient with the unashamedly modern.’
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