Merchant Venturers
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A rare glimpse
Why all the fuss about a bunch of strangely-dressed men?
What is the Society of Merchant Venturers?
How do you join?
The ties that bind
Connections with royals
The Society's charities
Dirty money? The Society's investments
What's the extent of their influence?
"Cause for concern"
The inner circle
The outer circle
The Antient Society Of St Stephen's Ringers
Challenge to the Merchants
About the author

Antient Society Of St Stephen's Ringers

The Antient Society is another male-dominated, all-white, exclusive organisation. It's run by the Merchants press spokesman D'Arcy Parkes, a 65 year old Bristolian. Ex-master of the Merchants Andrew Densham is a past master of the Ringers. Membership is limited to 100 people and since new members are only appointed as old ones die, only one or two places are available a year.
The Society dates back to 1620 and is dedicated to the upkeep of St Stephen's Church in the Centre. The society's official history describes meetings that involve heavy drinking, plenty of feasting and a bizarre procession with a stuffed fox and a model of Queen Elizabeth 1st's death mask.
Parkes admits there is still a "jolly and lively" annual dinner, which is always attended by the Lord Mayor, the Master of the Merchant Venturers and the President of Bristol Savages - yet another all-male invite-only Bristol club…