Guild of York Swordbearers

The Guild of York Swordbearers is thought to have been founded in the late 16th century when the Boyes and Sigismund swords were donated to the City of York and began to be used upon civic occasions to represent the city's fealty to the monarchy and commitment to defend the crown by force of arms if necessary. Entries on the Roll of Investiture for the first three centuries are undated so the date of the Guild's establishment sadly cannot be ascertained. The Guild flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries with over 50 members being initiated over the course of 200 years. Until the 21st century all members were male, the first female Swordbearer was initiated in 2022. The Guild of York Swordbearers continues its mission to 'provide good fellowship and cheer' for York Swordbearers to the present day.