Celebrating a Lasting Bond: 25 Years of Affiliation Between the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and the Corps of Royal Engineers

 

 

On 15th May 2025 the magnificent surroundings of Painters Hall played host to a memorable milestone: the 25th anniversary of the affiliation between the Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers and the Corps of Royal Engineers. The occasion, celebrated during the Company’s Annual Guest Banquet, not only honoured a quarter-century of mutual respect and collaboration, but also looked to the future with the launch of a new annual award dedicated to construction excellence within the Royal Engineers.

 

In a defining moment of the evening, the Master of the Company, Jenny Rolls, presented the inaugural Tylers and Bricklayers Construction Excellence Award, a striking silver trowel mounted on a replica London Brick. The award was accepted on behalf of the Corps by Major General the Right Honourable the Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton TD PC, himself a Royal Engineer Colonel Commandant and long-standing supporter of the affiliation.

 

The new Construction Excellence Award will be presented annually to the Royal Engineers unit that has excelled on a construction project whether it be on operations, training and or on any other deployment. There is no constraint on the type of construction project but due consideration will be given to scope, duration, complexity and the degree of artisan trade involvement.  The plan is to include the new award as part of the extant Royal Engineers Annual Awards for Engineering Excellence. 

 

Speaking at the banquet, the Master reflected on the enduring partnership, noting “our shared heritage in the craft of building and engineering has united us for 25 years, and we are immensely proud to continue encouraging excellence through this new award”.  In replying, Lord Lancaster remarked that the Royal Engineers has a proud history going back over 300 years. Today, the Sappers are triple-hatted as soldiers, combat engineers and skilled in many artisan trades, enabling all elements of the Armed Forces to live, move and fight and continue to be at the forefront of military operations worldwide.  Retaining close links with those that have similar engineering skills is most important and the Royal Engineers greatly values such a notable livery company affiliation. 

 

 

The relationship between the Tylers and Bricklayers Company, one of London’s ancient Livery Companies, and the Corps is founded on shared values of building, craftsmanship, fellowship and service. Since the formal affiliation in 2000, the two organisations have worked closely to celebrate traditional skills, professional development and the need to support cadets.

 

Further reinforcing this link is the Company’s long-running support to the Royal Engineers through the Stokes Trust, which funds the annual presentation of awards to the top-performing Class 1 and Class 2 Royal Engineer Bricklayers and Royal Engineer cadets and adult volunteers based in London. These awards continue to recognise and reward individual skill and dedication to the craft, shining a light on the essential role of tradespeople in both military operations and civilian life.

 

As the Worshipful Company and the Corps of Royal Engineers mark this milestone, both parties are committed to deepening their collaboration, not only to preserve craftsmanship and celebrate excellence, but also to inspire the next generation of military engineers and skilled tradespeople.

 

A quarter of a century on, the bond remains as strong and as enduring as the bricks, tiles and trust that unite them. 

 

Courtesy of the Sapper Magazine (Via CA - Ian Ogden)