History and Location

The Ward Clubs of the City of London were originally formed as Rate Payers Associations but the objects have developed over the years. The Ward of Cordwainer Club was founded in 1902 and the current objects of the Club are to provide a convenient club within the Ward of Cordwainer in the City of London; to promote and encourage interest in the affairs of the City; to generate a friendly spirit and improve the quality of life mainly within the Ward. It is also intended to give moral support to the Alderman, his Deputy and Common Councilmen in carrying out their considerable duties on behalf of the City of London and the Ward in particular.

The Ward takes its name from shoemakers and leather workers who lived and worked around the area of Bow Lane from the 13th Century.

The boundary of the Club within the City of London begins at the north-eastern end of Queen Street where on the eastern side it is joined by Pancras Lane. The boundary runs down Sise Lane which enters into Queen Victoria Street and at this point crosses over to Temple Court, where in the forecourt can be seen the relic of the Temple of Mithras. Beneath here a passage leads to Budge Row and the boundary passes through Bucklesbury House into Walbrook. Turning a sharp right at this section of the Ward is Cannon Street and proceeding westward from here, past a cul-de-sac called Tower Royal, the southern boundary drops a short way down Garlick Hill to the rear of Great Trinity Lane, then turns due north past Mansion House Station to the junction of Queen Victoria and Cannon Street. where it goes over to Bow Lane and up to the churchyard of St Mary-le-Bow at the north-Western end of the Ward of Cheapside. A short distance from here the boundary leads down Bow Lane, through the narrow alleyway of Well Court opening out into Queen Street, and back to the starting point of Pancras Lane.

The Club also have informal links with the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers, the only ward club and Livery Company with the same name. This originated as the cordwainers operated in our Ward.

Over the years since its formation the Club has collected some interesting ‘memorabilia’, for instance the ornamental gravels in ivory engraved with the names of the Chairmen of the Club since its formation, now continued on a teak plinth. Also a special presentation gravel made an original oak timber of St Mary-le-Bow church saved when the Church was badly damaged by enemy action during the Second World War.

Committee

The Club is managed by a Committee consisting of President, Vice President, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, the two immediate Past Chairmen, together with other elected members of the Club and Common Councilmen of the Ward.
Other than the President, Vice President and the Common Councilmen, the Committee is elected on a rotation basis and the Officers are elected annually.