On 21 July 2026, at the magnificent London Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Yorkshire-born and Haworth resident Elizabeth Bonfield was installed as Master of The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers Alias Wire Workers.
The Livery Companies of the City of London are among the oldest surviving institutions in Britain, with origins stretching back more than 800 years. They began as medieval trade guilds, established to regulate crafts and commerce. Today, they are best known for their charitable work, education and preservation of tradition.
Elizabeth has been a member of the Livery for 20 years and is the first Yorkshire woman to hold the position of Master. Held in the magnificent Egyptian Room, the evening was filled with admiration, respect and genuine affection for Elizabeth and the tremendous contribution she has made, not only in championing her trade, but also in promoting apprenticeships and the wider skills sector.
Elizabeth is bringing Liverymen to Yorkshire this year, as the Charity Fund Special Award has been given to Calderdale Industrial Museum. The award reflects Elizabeth’s love of Yorkshire and her commitment to preserving the county’s rich industrial heritage. The aim is to bring textile looms to the third floor of the museum, completing the museum’s exhibits.
Her passion for developing future talent was also evident as she presented the Apprentice of the Year Award to Lt. Maddie Cowley of HMS Anson, in recognition of her outstanding achievement and dedication to her work.
As a nod to her Yorkshire heritage, guests were presented with a commemorative medal to mark the occasion. The medal was commissioned from Haworth-based company Wyedean Weaving and featured the Livery Company emblem, which had been created using a laser, linking tradition with modern technology. With a 160-year heritage, Wyedean Weaving is a British textile manufacturer best known for producing high-quality woven ribbons, badges, medals and ceremonial regalia.
Elizabeth, together with fellow Liverymen, delivered engaging and inspirational speeches, with proud Yorkshireman and family friend David Kerfoot CBE DL responding on behalf of the guests.
A memorable highlight of the evening was the presentation by Dame Susan Langley, the 697th Lord Mayor of the City of London, of a beautiful glass paperweight incorporating a fragment of stone from St Paul’s Cathedral, recovered during restoration work, alongside minerals collected from the Thames shoreline. It was a thoughtful and symbolic gift marking a significant milestone, as both Dame Susan and Elizabeth are the third women to hold their respective positions.
In her remarks, Dame Susan paid tribute to the fellowship of the Livery, reflecting that “none of us succeed alone” and that the smallest acts of kindness and encouragement can have a lifetime impact on people.
Reflecting on the evening, Elizabeth said that she was overwhelmed by the love and affection in the room and that she had not realised how special it would be to have friends and family from Yorkshire there to support her.
All of Elizabeth’s fellow Liverymen, friends, family and the Skills 4 team wish her every future success and joy during her celebratory year as Master of The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers Alias Wire Workers.
