The Coopers' Company Annual Cloker Service
The Coopers’ Company Annual Cloker Service
The Coopers’ Company held its annual Cloker Service at St Botolph without Bishopsgate on Wednesday 7th October, continuing a long-standing tradition of thanksgiving in remembrance of Henry Cloker.
Henry Cloker, a Grocer who died in 1574, left a Will dated 10th March 1573 which remains at the heart of the annual service. In his Will, he bequeathed houses in Crooked Lane, London, to the Coopers’ Company, on trust that the Company would pay the Grocers’ Company 40 shillings each year.
A central feature of the service is the reading of Henry Cloker’s Will by the Clerk of the Company. This is a longstanding tradition, and the reading is carefully timed — taking no less than ten minutes!
The service was led by the Revd David Armstrong of St Botolph without Bishopsgate, with the sermon delivered by the Revd Taylor Wilton-Morgan, Assistant Priest at St Bartholomew the Great. The Master of the Coopers’ Company and the Master Grocer attended, upholding the historic tradition that brings the two Companies together to honour Henry Cloker’s legacy.
The congregation was treated to wonderful singing from the Choir of the Coopers’ Company and Coborn School, whose performances were as impressive as ever. The School Captain and Vice-Captains also played an important role in welcoming guests, carrying out their duties admirably and representing their school with great distinction.
Following the service, guests gathered in the Church Hall for a seated buffet supper, prepared by The Cook & The Butler, providing a welcome opportunity to enjoy good company and continue the evening’s conversations.
The occasion concluded with the continuation of another cherished custom: the presentation of £2 to the Master Grocer, who duly returned the money to the Coopers’ Company for placement in the poor box.
The annual Cloker Service remains a meaningful celebration of history, fellowship and charitable tradition, ensuring that Henry Cloker’s generosity and the enduring relationship between the Coopers’ and Grocers’ Companies are remembered and honoured.
