A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London, England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft, trade or profession. There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London, not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Common Council of the City Corporation, London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers.
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. It ranks 18th in the order of precedence of the Companies.
The Worshipful Company of Innholders is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London.
The Worshipful Company of Founders is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, England. The Founders, or workers in brass and bronze, were incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1614. However, with the development of technology, the ancient craft grew obsolete. Now, the Company exists, along with a majority of Livery Companies, as a charitable foundation. It also supports the foundry industry by awarding research grants and scholarships.
The Worshipful Company of Coopers is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The organisation of coopers existed in 1422; the Company received its first royal charter of incorporation in 1501. The cooper trade involved the making of wine, beer, and spirit casks ; the Livery Company also functions as a charitable foundation, and supports two education establishments: the Coopers' Company and Coborn School of Upminster, Essex, and Strode's College of Egham, Surrey. The former was founded in the Ratcliffe area of London in 1536 and donated to the Company who have been involved with it ever since.
The Worshipful Company of Turners is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London.
The Worshipful Company of Farriers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Farriers, or horseshoe makers, organised in 1356. It received a Royal Charter of incorporation in 1674. Over the years, the Company has evolved from a trade association for horseshoe makers into an organisation for those devoted to equine welfare, including veterinary surgeons. It also supports general charities, as do other Livery Companies.
The Worshipful Company of Paviors is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The Paviors can trace their history back to medieval times; they were responsible for the paving and maintenance of London's streets. It received a Royal Charter from Queen Elizabeth II in 2004. The company is no longer a trade association for or a regulator of London's road constructors. Today, it focuses on the promotion of excellence in all areas of construction.
The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters is one of the livery companies of the City of London. It was incorporated by letters patent issued by Oliver Cromwell in 1657, with a Royal Charter from Charles II in 1663. It was granted livery status in 1713. For a period it had its own hall in Red Cross Street, however for various reasons it was sold.
The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The company received its royal charter from King Charles II in 1664. Its role was to regulate the glass selling and pot-making industries within the City of London, and to ensure quality and fair trade. Aspiring traders in glass were apprenticed to a master who was a member of the Glass Sellers Company. He in turn was accountable to the court and officers of the livery and ultimately to the master of the company.
The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, incorporating the London Proof House, is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London.
The Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company ranks 82nd in the order of precedence of the Companies. It does not have its own livery hall but is peripatetic, meeting instead at halls of various other Livery Companies.
The Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The organisation became a livery company in 1977 and received a Royal Charter 12 February 2008. The company promotes the profession by awarding grants to students aspiring to become chartered secretaries.
The Worshipful Company of Launderers is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The organisation, founded in 1960, became a Livery Company in 1977. It was incorporated by Charter 2010. The Company promotes the profession of the launderers by awarding scholarships to laundry students.
The Worshipful Company of Marketors is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London. The company was founded in 1975.
The Worshipful Company of Actuaries is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The company was founded and became a livery company in 1979, on the same day as the Insurers' Company. The company supports the actuarial profession by awarding scholarships in the field.
The Worshipful Company of Insurers is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London. It ranks 92nd in the City Livery Companies' order of precedence. Its motto is Omnium Defensor, Latin for Protector of All and its church is St Lawrence Jewry.
The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists, also known as the Information Technologists' Company, is one of the livery companies of the City of London. The company was granted livery status by the Court of Aldermen on 7 January 1992, becoming the 100th livery company. It received its Royal Charter on 17 June 2010 from Prince Edward.
The Worshipful Company of Management Consultants is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. It draws its memberships from practising management consultants and has close links to the Management Consultancies Association and the Institute of Management Consultancy. The Company's motto is 'Change through Wisdom'.
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London. The Company's aim is to promote the development and advancement of the science, art and the practice of firefighting, fire prevention and life safety. It operates essentially as a charitable organisation, and also encourages professionalism and the exchange of information between members and others who work in allied fields.
