Back in 1513, London’s rapid growth spawned traffic congestion problems on the River Thames. To help keep boats and goods moving smoothly, mariners asked the king for permission to set up a group to regulate traffic on the river.
The resulting organization’s catchy name was The Master Wardens and Assistants of the Guild Fraternity or Brotherhood of the Most Glorious and Undivided Trinity and of Saint Clement in the Parish of Deptford Strond in the County of Kent, and it still exists today, more than 500 years later. For some reason they’ve shortened the common name to Corporation of Trinity House, but the group is still responsible for maintaining shipping lanes, lighthouses, and other aids to navigation.
The historic headquarters building of Trinity House sits right on the edge of the City of London, and there are roughly monthly tours open to the public. As folks who spend plenty of time on the water, we’re happy for organizations like Trinity House.
