This is an account from Giles Bell of his first Shrewsbury Drapers Winter Feast.
The Shrewsbury Drapers held their Winter feast on Thursday 13th of February 2025 at Draper’s Hall. Such events have been going on there since 1576 and after a glass or two of something sparkly I was beginning to picture a few spectral figures from the past. Then I realised it was just how the High Sheriff dresses these days.
After some amiable quaffing, the honoured guests and Freemen of the Company were led into the Hall where lengthy tables had been beautifully laid for dinner.
After the feasting came the speaking. Firstly, the Master Trevor Hunt, toasted the King, after which the Loving Cup was passed round. This custom involves someone protecting the back of the person lifting the Loving Cup to drink. Not because knife crime in Shrewsbury has reached a new all-time high but because poor King Edward was stabbed in the back in 978. This ritual clearly works as I can’t think of another monarch who has been stabbed in the back since.
The Master Trevor Hunt, then welcomed The High Sheriff of Shropshire, and guests from the Drapers’ Company of London, the Merchant Adventurers of York, the Merchant Taylors of York, The Incorporation of Weavers, Fullers and Shearmen of Exeter and The Worshipful Livery Company of Wales and requested that the High Sheriff of Shropshire pay his 30 shilling fine. In 1155, Henry Plantagenet, King Henry II required the High Sheriff of Shropshire to give to the Hospital of St Giles a fine of 30 shillings plus a handful of two hands of every sack of corn and a handful of one hand of every sack of wheat from all sacks sold in Shrewsbury Market. According to our current Master this would amount to around £3,000 today, it seems the current High Sheriff gets off lightly!
After coffee and a last glass or two, everyone went home. The whole evening was one of merriment and amiable camaraderie. Roll on the next feast!
Giles Bell,
Newly elected Freeman of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company
