Directory of City Livery Companies Resources

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There are 102 of these Companies. They started as mutual trade associations in the Middle Ages, one of their aims being mutual support of members fallen on hard times. Bequests of property over the centuries have made them, in some cases, very rich, wealth that they put to charitable work. Some are newly formed and are pure trade associations. To become a Livery Company, a group has to demonstrate a substantial charity fund. Some of the old ones, such as the Pewterers, are getting more involved in their ancestral industries. Others, Fletchers, for example, obviously cannot, while others, such as Fishmongers, never left. Much of the Companies' charitable giving is directed to helping new entrants to the profession of the Company. It follows that anyone considering studying for a vocational career in one of the trades covered by the Companies might well find them a source of a bursary or scholarship.

Resources in This Category

• Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators

  http://www.gapan.org/
  The 81st City Livery Company, founded in 1929. Aims to establish and maintain air safety through the promotion of good airmanship and to enhance the status of air pilots and air navigators. Also aims to assist air pilots and air navigators in need through the Benevolent Fund. History, information and links.

• The City of London Solicitors' Company

  http://www.citysolicitors.org.uk/
  The 79th City Livery Company, functioning as a trade association for solicitors practising within the Square Mile. Details of activities and membership.

• The Clothworkers' Company

  http://www.clothworkers.co.uk/
  One of the Great City Livery Companies, the 12th. Now primarily charitable, with links to the textile trades through educational funding. Details of activities and history.

• The Company of Watermen and Lightermen

  http://watermenscompany.com/
  The only City Livery Company to be formed and governed by Act of Parliament. Still licences Thames Watermen (passengers) and Lightermen (goods). Also engaged in charity, notably almshouses. Site contains details of these and other activities as well as information on the annual Dogget rowing race.

• The Honourable Company of Master Mariners

  http://www.hcmm.org.uk/
  The 78th City Livery Company, granted its unusual name by King George V. The Guild that reopened the admission after over 200 years. Actively engaged in the trade. Site contains details of activities and history.

• The Worshipful Company of Arbitrators

  http://www.arbitratorscompany.org/
  The 93rd City Livery Company, granted Livery in 1981. Activities, affiliations and links to arbitrators globally.

• The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers

  http://armourershall.co.uk/
  Livery company of the City of London, with details of history, corporate and private events, charitable activities and venture prize.

• The Worshipful Company of Bakers

  http://www.bakers.co.uk/
  Oldest City Livery Company. Aimed at helping new bakers. It has 400 members drawn from among Master Bakers and allied trades. Details of baking courses and history of the company. List of the Livery Companies in order of precedence (which was settled by negotiation in 1515, as can be seen on the site. Bakers are 19th, despite being the oldest.)

• The Worshipful Company of Barbers

  http://www.barberscompany.org/
  The 17th City Livery Company. Offers corporate hospitality and conference facilities in its historic hall. Site contains details of facilities, members and some history.

• The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers

  http://www.basketmakersco.org/
  The 52nd City Livery Company in order, constituted in 1569. Now focussed on charity and support of the three armed services through its involvement with 100 (Yeomanry) Regiment Royal Artillery, HMS Richmond and 5 (AC) Squadron RAF. News, events and other details of activities.

• The Worshipful Company of Butchers

  http://www.butchershall.com/
  The 24th Company. Still active in the trade and, as a long-established Company, well-funded and therefore active in the charitable field. Butcher's Hall is actively rented out as a venue. Information on the activities of the Society within its industry, of its charitable activities, and about Butchers' Hall.

• The Worshipful Company of Carpenters

  http://www.carpentersco.com/
  The 26th City Livery Company. Aims to promote crafts within the building trade and does much work for charity. The site describes the work that the Company does for its Convalescent Home, College and Youth Centre.

• The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers

  http://www.clockmakers.org/
  The 61st Company. Still has strong links to the horological trade. "e-exhibition" of the work of John Harrison. Details of the library and museum, which is in the Guidhall buildings.

• The Worshipful Company of Coopers

  http://www.coopers-hall.co.uk/
  The 36th City Livery Company. Under construction.

• The Worshipful Company of Curriers

  http://www.curriers.co.uk/
  The 29th City Livery Company. Currying animal skins into leather tanning. In common with many Livery Companies, now mainly a charity. Brief description and history.

• The Worshipful Company of Cutlers

  http://www.cutlerslondon.co.uk/
  18th City Livery Company. Granted Royal Charter by Henry V in 1416. Formerly regulated the cutlery trade in London. Now engages in charitable activities. Promotes innovation in the design of surgical instruments. History, collections, charities, affiliations. links. Password needed for member information.

• The Worshipful Company of Drapers

  http://www.thedrapers.co.uk/
  "The Master and Wardens and Brethren and Sisters of the Guild or Fraternity of the Blessed Mary the Virgin of the Mystery of Drapers of the City of London", the third, and so "Great" City Livery company. No longer affiliated with the woollen trade and so now mainly a charity. Details of current activities and of Drapers' Hall, which is for hire.

• The Worshipful Company of Engineers

  http://www.engineerscompany.org.uk/
  The 94th City Livery Company, formed in 1983. A modern trade association whose members must be Fellows of a Chartered Engineering Institution. The objects of the Company include the development and advancement of the science, art and practice of engineering for the benefit of the public. Details of activities and scholarships.

• The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners

  http://www.wc-ec.com/
  The 97th City Livery Company, hosted at Wax Chandlers' Hall. History, aims, members, hymn, joining details and other information.

• The Worshipful Company of Farriers

  http://www.wcf.org.uk/
  The 55th City Livery Company. Still active in the equestrian field. Members are craft farriers, veterinary surgeons and an amalgam of persons committed to the welfare of the Horse, the continuing of the craft and contributing to the success of the City of London. Membership, activity, history and links.

• The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers

  http://www.fishhall.co.uk/
  One of the twelve Great City Livery Companies, the fourth, linked to Gresham School in Norfolk. In common with many Livery Companies whose trade has survived, the Fishmongers' Company is actively involved with it as well as with charitable work. Details of both are on the site.

• The Worshipful Company of Fletchers

  http://www.fletchers.org.uk/
  The 39th City Livery Company, closely linked to St Bartholemew's church. Links, recent events and history.

• The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters

  http://www.frameworkknitters.co.uk/
  The 64th City Livery Company, still closely connected to its industry as well as administering almshouses and an educational charity. Details of student bursaries, the almshouses and activities within the trade.

• The Worshipful Company of Fuellers

  http://www.fuellers.co.uk/
  Site under construction. Contact details.

• The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers

  http://www.furnituremakers.org.uk/
  The 83rd City Livery Company, formed in 1951. Aims to foster both the craft and the industry of furniture making, marketing and retailing in the United Kingdom. Site contains details of activities and membership.

• The Worshipful Company of Glaziers and Painters of Glass

  http://www.worshipfulglaziers.com/
  The 53rd City Livery Company. Maintains strong links with its traditional crafts. Regained a hall in 1977, having lost it hall in the Great Fire of 1666. Details of current activities and history in a visually appealing site

• The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths

  http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/
  The fifth, and there fore a "great" City of London Livery Company. It operates the London Assay Office, hallmarking precious metal articles. Description of activities including the Assay Office and charitable work. Information on precious metals, notably on assaying and hallmarks.

• The Worshipful Company of Grocers

  http://www.grocershall.co.uk/
  The second, and therefore "Great" City Livery Company, linked to Oundle School. Details of Grocers' Hall, opposite the Bank of England and available for hire.

• The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers

  http://www.haberdashers.co.uk/
  The eighth, and therefore "Great" City Livery Company, now mainly involved with schools, education and other charitable work.

• The Worshipful Company of Horners

  http://www.horners.org.uk/
  The 54th City Livery Company, which seeks to maintain and support the ancient crafts of the Horner (who made flasks such as drinking cups from horns) and Bottlemaker. It has evolved to promote the interests and development of Plastics and the Plastics Industry. History and summary of current activities.

• The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists

  http://www.wcit.org.uk/
  The 100th City Livery Company, active as a professional trade association. Aims to promote the IT profession, provide training within it and engage in charitable activities. Site contains information on activities such as providing computers to children in Chelsea and Westminster Children's Hospital, membership and the livery movement in general.

• The Worshipful Company of Innholders

  http://www.innholders.co.uk/
  The 32nd City Livery Company. Hall, history, events, court, patronage.

• The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers

  http://www.ironmongers.org/
  One of the twelve Great City Livery Companies (10th) that is now entirely charitable due to the move north of its industry. Maintains links to the iron and steel business by endowing research grants, craft training and the restoration of traditional ironwork. Site concentrates largely on Ironmongers' Hall in the City.

• The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers

  http://www.joinersandceilers.co.uk/
  The 41st City Livery Company. Information, contact details and history.

• The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers

  http://www.leathersellers.co.uk/
  The 15th City Livery Company, still with links to the leather business but now mainly focussed on charitable work. Some information on the charities, history and contact information.

• The Worshipful Company of Lightmongers

  http://www.lightmongers.co.uk/
  The 96th City Livery Company, a modern trade association of lighting engineers. Membership, activities and affiliation.

• The Worshipful Company of Marketors

  http://www.marketors.org/
  The 90th City Livery Company, aiming to promote excellence in marketing, to engage in mutual support and fellowship for its members and to work for an understanding and acceptance of marketing. Background, membership and activities.

• The Worshipful Company of Mercers

  http://www.mercers.co.uk/
  The senior City Livery Company. A large charity focusing on education, housing and the Church. Patron of several parishes around the country. Site contains details of charities and other activities.

• The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers

  http://www.paintershall.co.uk/
  The 28th City Livery Company. Awards bursaries at most major Art Schools and many Universities for painting, textile design and picture restoration. Site contains details of these activities, of the hall, history and other information.

• The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers

  http://www.pattenmakers.co.uk/
  The 70th City Livery Company. Site under construction. Contains e-mail address for contact.

• The Worshipful Company of Pewterers

  http://www.pewterers.org.uk/
  The 16th City Livery Company. Reinstated links with its industry in 1970, helping to form the Association of British Pewter Craftsmen and now works actively to promote the metal. Details of this and other, mainly charitable, activities in a visually pleasing site.

• The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers

  http://www.plaistererslivery.co.uk/
  The 46th City Livery Company, which encourages excellence in all aspects of plastering. It awards trophies and prizes to plastering colleges and the annual Plaisterers' Trophy to a plastering contractor. Details of the Guild's activities and of its showpiece hall.

• The Worshipful Company of Saddlers

  http://www.saddlersco.co.uk/
  The 25th City Livery Company, closely linked to, among others, the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery and of course the mounted branch of the City of London Police. Good discussion of Livery Companies in general, details of current activities and affiliations as well as history.

• The Worshipful Company of Salters

  http://www.salters.co.uk/
  The 9th, and therefore a "Great" City Livery Company very largely devoted to charity. Recreated a link to its origins by in 1918 founding the Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry, initially to assist young chemistry students returning from the war to complete their studies. This is now the flagship of the Company's charitable activities. Site contains details of the Company, of the Institute and of other activities.

• The Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers

  http://www.wcsim.co.uk/
  The 84th Company; still active in its industry. It promotes the craft of scientific instrument making and the exchange of ideas and information by members and guests through meetings, visits, lectures and social events. The Livery is consulted on National Measurement Standards. Site contains details of activities, scholarships and affiliations.

• The Worshipful Company of Scriveners of the City of London

  http://www.scriveners.org.uk/
  The 44th Company, also known as the Mysterie of the Writers of the Court Letter. Traditionally the writers of confidential documents such as wills, charters and legal documents and still a working company. Site contains history, calendar and list of members.

• The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights

  http://www.shipwrights.co.uk/
  The 59th Company. Site under construction. e-mail address.

• The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers

  http://www.spectaclemakers.com/
  The 60th City Livery Company now providing and funding training in the optical manufacturing trade. Site contains details of education and training activities as well as history.

• The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers

  http://www.stationers.org/
  The 47th City Livery Company. Historically the repository of record of published works in order to establish copyright. It ended the last of this activity in 2000. Now largely focussed on educational charity. Details of activities and history as well as information on how to hire Stationers' Hall.

• The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers Alias Wire Workers

  http://www.tinplateworkers.co.uk/
  The 67th City Livery Company, mainly devoted to charity. Aims most of its giving at technical education. Site contains details of history, including history of the name, and details of activities and affiliations.

• The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers

  http://tylersandbricklayers.co.uk/
  The 37th City livery company encouraging excellence in the tiling and bricklaying industries. Includes membership information with details of events.

• The Worshipful Company of Upholders

  http://www.upholders.co.uk/
  The 49th City Livery Company, originating in the Upholstery trade. (Upholder used to mean upholsterer). Information on origins and history, details of affiliations, including to two HMS Upholder submarines, now retired, and online music.

• The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators

  http://www.waterconservators.org/
  The 102nd, and junior, City Livery Company which promotes the development of water and environmental management. Finances some students embarking on a career of water conservation. Site contains details of these bursaries and other activities, events, affiliation with HMS Scott and other information.

• The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights

  http://www.wheelwrights.org/
  The 68th Livery Company. Largely concerned with the support for the traditional craft of wheelwrighting, the Lord Mayor, the City of London and charity.

• The Worshipful Company of World Traders

  http://www.world-traders.org/
  The 101st City Livery Company, founded in 1979. A member of the Guild of World Traders that has influenced the creation of World Trade Centres across the world. site contains history, membership information and details of events.

• The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London

  http://www.apothecaries.org/
  The City Livery Society (in contrast to the more usual "Company") that still licenses pharmacists through its membership of the United Examining Board. 58th in order of rank. Details of other diplomas that the guild offers, history and other information.

• Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

  http://www.wccsa.org.uk/
  The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators was formed on 3rd November 1976 and is ranked No.87.

• Worshipful Company of International Bankers

  http://internationalbankers.org.uk/
  Combining the traditions of the City Livery Companies with a modern outlook on the financial services sector.

 

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