Sheffield Assay Office was honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester to Guardians’ Hall on Friday 4^th September 2026.

The visit celebrated more than 250 years of hallmarking in Sheffield and gave His Royal Highness the opportunity to see how the Assay Office combines 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 Ashley Carson, Assay Master and Chief Executive of Sheffield Assay Office, and Jackie Tear, a member of the Assay Office’s Executive Committee.

During a tour of the hallmarking operation, His Royal Highness followed the journey of an article through the Assay Office—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 the team responsible for Sheffield’s traditional and modern hallmarking techniques, including the preparation of marking punches, traditional press marking and precision laser hallmarking.

The tour demonstrated how Sheffield Assay Office continues to preserve specialist skills passed down through generations while investing in technology to meet the changing needs of jewellers, silversmiths, manufacturers and consumers.

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

A selection of significant pieces from the Sheffield Assay Office Collection was presented by Curator and Archivist Emma Paragreen. 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, Assay Master and Chief Executive of Sheffield Assay Office, 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.”

Sara Hale, Head of Commercial Operations at Sheffield Assay Office, who led His Royal Highness through the hallmarking operation, 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.”

During the visit, The Duke signed the Assay Office’s visitors’ book and was presented with a specially engraved Joseph Rodgers, Made in Sheffield penknife commemorating 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. His visit was therefore particularly significant for Sheffield Assay Office, which has served Sheffield, the precious-metals industry and the public since 1773.