Monday 16 November 2026, from 17:15
The Royal Thames Yacht Club, London SW1X 7LF
The role of Bridgemaster originated in 1176 to oversee the construction of Old London Bridge and the management of its properties, accounts and ceremonies. Over the centuries, the office and responsibilities evolved but the position was often marred by financial fraud, election manipulation and negligence. In this lecture Sue, one of the two current Bridgemasters, will give a fascinating insight into one of the most ancient appointments in civic society and bridge engineering, with tales of scandal and controversy and an insight into the Bridgemasters’ modern role of promoting the charitable work of the City Bridge Foundation.
Speaker
Sue Threader is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers with senior-level experience in the public, private and charity sectors. She is the Chief Executive of the Kentish medieval charity, the Rochester Bridge Trust, that owns and maintains the only major bridges in the world that are managed with Net Zero Carbon emissions. The charity owns an £80m investment property portfolio across England, including 6,500 acres of agricultural land plus residential and commercial holdings.
Sue speaks regularly on a wide range of historic bridge engineering and charity topics. She is a Board Member of the City Bridge Foundation, elected Bridgemaster of the City of London, a Liveryman, Court Assistant and Archivist of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, Chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers’ Archives Panel, Chair of the National Bridge Owners Forum and a board member of the Tenancy Deposit Scheme Charitable Foundation. Sue is a member of IESF British Section.
Timings
- 17:15 Tea and coffee
- 18:00 Lecture
- 19:15 Drinks reception
- 19:50 Dinner
- 22:00 Carriages
Menu
Starter
Atlantic Prawn Salad
Avocado, gem lettuce and marie rose sauce
Main course
Confit Aylesbury Duck Leg
Braised red cabbage, creamed potato and burnt orange jus
Dessert
Apple Tarte Tatin
Clotted cream ice cream
Followed by tea and coffee
Tickets
- Lecture and pre-dinner drinks reception only: £10
- Lecture and dinner: £104