The Court of Assistants
The Governance of The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York is directed by a Court of Assistants, similar to a board of trustees. In accordance with the Royal Charter of 1581 the Court has nineteen members. The Governor is the Chairman and they are supported by eighteen assistants all who are elected annually at Charter Day, our equivalent of an Annual General Meeting.
The Court of Assistants consists of:
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The Governor and the four other Officers; Immediate Past Governor, Deputy Governor, Senior and Junior Wardens.
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The five most recent Past Governors.
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Nine Elected Members each serving for three years.
Officers
The Governor and four Officers meet regularly to deal with the day-to-day management of the Company in conjunction with The Clerk and to advise the Court of Assistants as necessary. In order of precedence they are:
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Immediate Past Governor
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Deputy Governor
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Senior Warden
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Junior Warden
Mr Richard Shaw
Governor 2025-26
Richard Shaw is an engineer and professional business manager and has worked in a variety of manufacturing businesses.
Employed in both operations and sales, his work has taken him to most corners of the glove, including a year based in Chicago. After 20 years as Managing Director of Ellis Patents Ltd in Rillington, North Yorkshire, Richard has retired and is now Chairman
Born in Rawdon, near Leeds – he still lives there today with his wife Gill. He has two daughters and a granddaughter. He is a keen motorcyclist and yachtsman.
View Full Biography
Committees
The Company has seven Committees which provide specialist knowledge in key areas of the Company’s management and business. All committees report regularly to the Court of Assistants.
The Committees are made up of a combination of Officers and ordinary Members.
Executive
The Executive is led by The Clerk, Brigadier Jim Richardson MBE and assisted by The Beadle, Membership & Finance Manager and Museum Director. They lead a team of five full time and ten part time staff, all based at the Hall.
