The Fraternity of St James
The Fraternity of St James Garlickhythe is a living community rooted in faith, friendship, and the ancient traditions of the City of London.
Founded on St James Day, 25 July 1375, as a parish Guild for men and women (known as Brothers and Sisters), the Fraternity celebrated its 650th anniversary in 2025. Like all religious Guilds, it was dissolved in 1549, but in this special anniversary year it was revived to continue its historic calling: bringing people together in worship, fellowship, service, and friendship around St James Garlickhythe.
Today, members of the Fraternity share in the worship, fellowship, and mission of St James Garlickhythe, forming a worldwide community centred on one of Sir Christopher Wren’s loveliest churches.
A brief history of the Fraternity
The Medieval Fraternity (1375)
In 1375, parishioners of St James Garlickhythe founded a Fraternity with the purpose of honouring God, St James the Apostle, Our Lady, and All Saints; caring for the spiritual and practical needs of its members; and “nourishing more love among the brethren and sisters”.
Like many medieval Guilds, the Fraternity brought together prayer, fellowship, charitable support, and shared celebration. Members gathered for worship and an annual feast, contributed to a common fund to support those in need, and cared for one another through the changing circumstances of life.
The Fraternity’s statutes were returned by order of Richard II in 1389 and later recorded by John Strype in his 1720 edition of John Stow’s Survey of London. The original record survives today among the collections of the National Archives.
Following the dissolution of religious Guilds in 1549, the Fraternity ceased to exist for many centuries. In 2025, during the 650th anniversary year of its foundation, the Fraternity was revived to continue its historic vocation within the life of St James Garlickhythe.
Activities and Discipline
The original statutes describe a structured and active community. Members paid an entrance fee, annual quarterage, and contributed to a common box for charitable relief. Wardens were elected to keep accounts. Members met annually and were “clothed in suit” for feast days. Disorderly behaviour could lead to temporary expulsion.
A Living Tradition
The Fraternity continues the spirit of the medieval Guild: a community in which members pray together, support one another, celebrate together, and share in the life of the Church.
The original Brothers and Sisters sought to nourish more love among the brethren and sisters. That same vision continues today — creating a fellowship where people from different backgrounds can find friendship, belonging, and a deeper connection with St James Garlickhythe.
The Fraternity gathers throughout the year for worship, the annual Fraternity Feast, lectures, visits, and other occasions of fellowship, bringing together members from London and around the world.
The Fraternity is governed by the Master (who is always the Rector of St James Garlickhythe), together with the two Wardens mentioned in the ancient statutes and other members who form the Court.
Why join the Fraternity
As a member of the Fraternity, you will
Become part of a remarkable tradition as one of London’s ancient Guilds, with a heritage stretching back over 650 years.
Belong to a worldwide fellowship united by an affection for St James Garlickhythe and its mission.
Build lasting friendships with people from a wide variety of backgrounds who share an interest in the Church, the City, and its traditions.
Participate in Fraternity services throughout the year, sharing in the rich liturgical life of St James Garlickhythe.
Enjoy exclusive Fraternity events, including lectures, visits, social gatherings, and opportunities to explore London’s heritage.
Take part in the annual Fraternity Feast, continuing a tradition of fellowship begun by the medieval Brothers and Sisters.
Share in the continuing life, worship, and mission of St James Garlickhythe, helping to preserve its heritage and witness for future generations.
Members receive
The specially crafted Fraternity Badge, a distinctive symbol of membership to be worn at Fraternity events and services.
A beautifully bound Fraternity Manual, produced exclusively for members, containing prayers, services, devotions, and other resources to enrich your spiritual life throughout the year.
Whether you live in London or elsewhere in the world, we warmly invite you to become part of the continuing story of the Fraternity of St James Garlickhythe — a community of faith, friendship, worship, and service.