Yesterday, the Bishop of London attended the 750th Anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers alongside the Bishop of Edmonton, the Rt Revd Rob Wickham.

Bishop Sarah gave the following blessing:

‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ Romans 10:15

This passage of scripture that talks about the feet of preachers as “beautiful” for the sake of their message, reminds us that feet can also be physically clothed in beauty.

It is this physical adornment of feet that the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers have undertaken so well for generations, reminding us that, as well as performing a practical function, shoes can be designed as things of beauty. Indeed, the shoes of famous designers trained by the Cordwainers have become collectors items.

However, what many people may not appreciate is that the work of the Cordwainers is not limited to shoes. The Cordwainer’s Company is the largest provider of scholarships, awards, bursaires and hardship grants to footwear students in the UK and is also largely involved with charitable activities, the primary focus being to support the British Footwear Industry. The Company also has longstanding links to, and annually supports, City, military, medical, and blind and partially sighted charities.

It gives me great pleasure to be able to celebrate with you the 750th anniversary of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers at this very special service. Giving thanks to God for all that you contribute as one of the oldest City of London Livery Companies.

With every blessing

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally

Bishop of London