Westminster Abbey Henry V Evensong - 8 November 2022
On 29 October 2015, there was a fitting culmination of the many acts of commemoration of the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Agincourt with a service in Westminster Abbey. The date was entirely fitting as it was the day on which news of the victory reached London in 1415. Masters of the five Warrior Livery companies processed with the funerary achievements of Henry V for them to be laid on the high altar. Members of the royal family were present with a congregation of some 2,500. Past Master Robert Hardy read a moving extract from Shakespeare's Henry V; by coincidence it was his actual 90th birthday!
On 8 November 2022, a service of Evensong was held at the Abbey to commemorate the 600th anniversary of King Henry's funeral. The service was taken by the Dean of Westminster and Father Robert Latham and was a very moving experience. Many members of the warrior livery companies and others were present including four of the masters who processed in 2015.
The Master Bowyer and the Master Fletcher together laid a wonderful green and white wreath by the tomb of Henry V in the presence members of the livery companies. For many of us, who were engaged with the multitude of activities to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the battle, it was possibly one of the final events of the commemoration. But for us all it was a fitting conclusion to Agincourt and it confirmed the pivotal role that the Worshipful Company of Bowyers had played.
Sinclair Rogers
Hon. Court Assistant
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