LONDON on the Ground

It sounds like an episode of Harry Potter, but the Trial of the Pyx is in fact a test of coins made by the Royal Mint and one of the UK’s oldest judicial procedures. One of the earliest forms of consumer protection, with 12th century origins, the Trial of the Pyx has been the exclusive responsibility of the Goldsmiths’ Company since the 16th century. Since 1870 it has (almost always) taken place at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London. Inside Goldsmiths’ Hall The Trial's st

A 17th century City of London Livery Hall for a 600 year old company around the corner from St Paul’s Cathedral. Tucked away in a small courtyard off Ave Maria Lane near St Paul’s Cathedral, Stationers' Hall has stood on the same site since 1606. It is one of those locations, where time appears to stand still, that are hidden away across the City of London. The Stationers are among the 39 City of London Livery Companies that have their own Livery Hall, used for dinners, rec