A Royal Visit to Guardians’ Hall

We were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Guardians’ Hall on Friday 4th September 2026.

The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate more than 250 years of hallmarking in Sheffield and to demonstrate how we combine centuries of craftsmanship with modern technology, scientific expertise and consumer protection.

The Duke was received by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, before being presented to our Assay Master and Chief Executive, Ashley Carson, and Jackie Tear, a member of our Executive Committee.

Behind the Sheffield hallmark

During a tour led by Sara Hale, Head of Commercial Operations, His Royal Highness followed the complete journey of an article through our hallmarking operation, from its arrival and secure registration to testing and the application of the internationally recognised Sheffield hallmark.

The Duke saw how X-ray fluorescence technology is used to analyse precious metals quickly and accurately. He also met members of our team responsible for traditional and modern hallmarking techniques, including the preparation of marking punches, traditional press marking and precision laser hallmarking.

The tour highlighted how we continue to preserve specialist skills passed down through generations while investing in technology to meet the changing needs of jewellers, silversmiths, manufacturers and consumers.

Sara Hale said:

“It was a privilege to introduce The Duke to the people whose expertise lies behind every Sheffield hallmark. The visit allowed us to demonstrate the complete hallmarking process, from the moment an article arrives through to testing and marking. It also highlighted the combination of traditional craftsmanship, modern technology and personal service that makes Sheffield Assay Office so special. We were incredibly proud to share both our heritage and our ambitions for the future with His Royal Highness.”

Science and analytical expertise

His Royal Highness also visited Sheffield Analytical Services, our UKAS-accredited laboratory, where he learned more about our precious-metal analysis, independent melt and assay services and wider product-testing capabilities.

These specialist services complement our statutory hallmarking responsibilities and reflect the depth of scientific knowledge and technical expertise within our organisation.

Celebrating Sheffield’s silversmithing heritage

Our Curator and Archivist, Emma Paragreen, presented a selection of significant pieces from the Sheffield Assay Office Collection.

The collection records Sheffield’s distinguished silversmithing heritage and the development of hallmarking in the city since the Assay Office was established by Act of Parliament in 1773.

Ashley Carson said:

“It was an enormous honour to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Sheffield Assay Office. The visit gave us a wonderful opportunity to share the history of this unique organisation while also demonstrating the skill, science and innovation that underpin our work today.Our role has always been to protect the public and support the precious-metals trade. More than 250 years after our establishment, we remain immensely proud to carry Sheffield’s Tudor Rose hallmark and to play our part in safeguarding the city’s internationally important metalworking heritage.”

Marking a memorable occasion

During the visit, The Duke signed our visitors’ book and was presented with a specially engraved Joseph Rodgers Made in Sheffield penknife to commemorate the occasion. His Royal Highness also presented a commemorative coin to the Assay Master.

The Duke of Gloucester has a longstanding interest in architecture, conservation and the preservation of Britain’s historic buildings and institutions. It was therefore particularly meaningful to welcome him to an organisation that has served Sheffield, the precious-metals trade and the public since 1773.

Photography: Will Roberts

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The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.

To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,

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