Female members

Since its inception in 1689 the Corporation has been a male only organisation. Whilst not wanting to lose any of our long-standing traditions or pageantry, it was also time to recognise that this approach was no longer appropriate in today’s society.

The issue was put to our members at our AGM on 11 September 2025. After a polite and well reasoned debate from both sides of the the argument it was decided by a majority vote to immediately accept women as members.

We are in the process of updating this site, our membership application form and internal procedures generally. More on this in due course.

In the meantime, applications from women are welcome, using the form found on this site here.