Livery Companies
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The Twelve Great Livery Companies
The Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London are listed here in the order of precedence established in 1515. To serve as Lord Mayor, an Alderman had to be free (i.e., a member) of one
of these twelve companies.
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The Mercers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Mercers
The Mercers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Mercers were first in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Mercers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.mercers.co.uk/ that includes a history and bibliography.![The coat of arms of the Mercers’ Company, from Stow (1633).[Full size image]](graphics/Mercers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Mercers’ Company, from Stow (1633).[Full size image] -
The Grocers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Grocers
The Grocers’ Company (previously the Pepperers’ Company) was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Grocers were second in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Grocers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.grocershall.co.uk/, including a brief history.![The coat of arms of the Grocers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Grocers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Grocers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Drapers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Drapers
The Drapers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Drapers were third in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Drapers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.thedrapers.co.uk/, with a history and short bibliography.![The coat of arms of the Drapers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Drapers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Drapers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Fishmongers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers
The Fishmongers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Fishmongers were fourth in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Company was originally two companies, the Stock-fishmongers and the Salt-fishmongers (or simply Fishmongers). They were united in 1536 under the designation ofThe Wardens and Commonalty of the Mystery of Fishmongers of the City of London
(Herbert 4) The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.fishhall.org.uk/, including a section on their history and heritage.![The coat of arms of the Fishmongers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Fishmongers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Fishmongers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
Goldsmiths’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
The Goldsmiths’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Goldsmiths were fifth in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths is still active and maintains a website at http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/, with a useful overview of their history and role in the annual Trial of the Pyx.![The coat of arms of the Goldsmiths’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Goldsmiths_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Goldsmiths’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Skinners’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Skinners
The Skinners’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. Since 1484, the Skinners and the Merchant Taylors have alternated precedence annually; the Skinners are now sixth in precedence in even years and seventh in odd years, changing precedence at Easter. The Worshipful Company of Skinners is still active and maintains a website at http://www.theskinnerscompany.org.uk/ that includes a history.![The coat of arms of the Skinners’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Skinners_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Skinners’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Merchant Taylors’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors
The Merchant Taylors’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. Since 1484, the Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have alternated precedence annually; the Merchant Taylors are now sixth in precedence in odd years and seventh in even years, changing precedence at Easter. The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors is still active and maintains a website at http://www.merchanttaylors.co.uk/ that includes downloadable information about the origins and historical milestones of the company.![The coat of arms of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/MerchantTaylors_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Haberdashers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers
The Haberdashers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Haberdashers were eighth in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.haberdashers.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company and of their hall.![The coat of arms of the Haberdashers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Haberdashers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Haberdashers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Salters’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Salters
The Salters’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Salters were ninth in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Salters is still active and maintains a website at http://www.salters.co.uk/ that includes information on the history of the company.![The coat of arms of the Salters’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Salters_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Salters’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Ironmongers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers
The Ironmongers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Ironmongers were tenth in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.ironmongers.org/ that includes a page on their history.![The coat of arms of the Ironmongers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Ironmongers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Ironmongers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Vintners’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Vintners
The Vintners’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. The Vintners were eleventh in the order of precedence established in 1515. The Worshipful Company of Vintners is still active and maintains a website at http://www.vintnershall.co.uk/ that includes information on the origins and development of the company.![The coat of arms of the Vintners’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Vintners_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Vintners’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image] -
The Clothworkers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers
The Clothworkers’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London, formed in 1528 out of the merger of the Fullers and the Shearmen. The Clothworkers were twelfth in the order of precedence. The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.clothworkers.co.uk/ with information about its history.![The coat of arms of the Clothworkers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]](graphics/Clothworkers_sm.jpg)
The coat of arms of the Clothworkers’ Company, from Stow (1633). [Full size image]
Lesser Companies Mentioned in MoEML
For a complete list of companies still active in London, see The Livery Companies Database.
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The Apothecaries’ Company of London
The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London
The Apothecaries’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Society of Apothecaries is still active and maintains a website at http://www.apothecaries.org/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Bakers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Bakers
The Bakers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Bakers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.bakers.co.uk// that includes a history of the company. -
The Brewers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Brewers
The Brewers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Brewers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.brewershall.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Butchers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Butchers
The Butchers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Butchers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.butchershall.com/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Carpenters’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Carpenters
The Carpenters’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Carpenters is still active and maintains a website at http://www.thecarpenterscompany.co.uk that includes a history of the company. -
The Cordwainers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers
The Cordwainers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is still active and maintains a website at http://cordwainers.org/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Cutlers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers
The Cutlers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Cutlers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.cutlerslondon.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Dyers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Dyers
The Dyers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Dyers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.dyerscompany.com/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Founders’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Founders
The Founders’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Founders is still active and maintains a website at http://www.foundersco.org.uk/ that includes a history written by A. J. Gillett (The Clerk). -
The Fruiterers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers
The Fruiterers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.fruiterers.org.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Leathersellers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers
The Leathersellers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Leathersellers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.leathersellers.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Loriners’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Loriners
The Loriners’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Loriners is still active and maintains a website at http://www.loriner.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Masons’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Masons
The Masons’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Masons is still active and maintains a website at http://www.loriner.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Merchant Venturers’ Company of London
The Worshipful Company of Merchant Venturers of London
The Merchant Venturers’ Company of London was one of the lesser livery companies of London. -
The Painter-Stainers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers
The Painter-Stainers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Painter-Stainers is still active and maintains a website at https://painter-stainers.org/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Paviors’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Paviors
The Paviors’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Paviors is still active and maintains a website at http://paviors.org.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
The Poulters’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Poulters
The Poulters’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Poulters is still active and maintains a website at http://www.poulters.org.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
Parish Clerks Company
The Worshipful Company of Parish Clerks
The Parish Clerks Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Parish Clerks Company is still active and maintains a website at http://www.londonparishclerks.com/ that includes a history of the company. -
Shipwrights’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights
The Shipwrights’ Company did not become a livery company until 1782. However, a Shipwrights’ Company had been regulating shipbuilding in London for centuries before then. ShipwrightsBelow the Bridge
built seagoing ships, while ShipwrightsAbove the Bridge
built river craft. The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is still active and maintains a website at http://www.shipwrights.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
Tallow Chandlers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers
The Tallow Chandlers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.tallowchandlers.org/ that includes a history of the company. -
Tylers and Bricklayers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers
The Tylers and Bricklayers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Tylers and Bricklayers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.tylersandbricklayers.co.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
Pewterers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Pewterers
The Pewterers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Pewterers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.pewterers.org.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
Stationers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Stationers
The Stationers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Stationers is still active (under the new title of the The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers) and maintains a website at https://stationers.org/ that includes a history of the company. -
Weavers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Weavers
The Weavers’ Company was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Weavers is still active and maintains a website at http://www.weavers.org.uk/ that includes a history of the company. -
Woolmens’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen was one of the lesser livery companies of London. The Worshipful Company of Woolmen is still active and maintains a website at http://woolmen.com/ that includes a history of the company.
References
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Citation
Herbert, William. The History of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of London. Vol. 2. London, 1836. Google Books. Open.This item is cited in the following documents:
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Citation
Stow, John, The survey of London contayning the originall, increase, moderne estate, and government of that city, methodically set downe. With a memoriall of those famouser acts of charity, which for publicke and pious vses have beene bestowed by many worshipfull citizens and benefactors. As also all the ancient and moderne monuments erected in the churches, not onely of those two famous cities, London and Westminster, but (now newly added) foure miles compasse. Begunne first by the paines and industry of Iohn Stovv, in the yeere 1598. Afterwards inlarged by the care and diligence of A.M. in the yeere 1618. And now completely finished by the study and labour of A.M. H.D. and others, this present yeere 1633. Whereunto, besides many additions (as appeares by the contents) are annexed divers alphabeticall tables; especially two: the first, an index of things. The second, a concordance of names. London: Printed by Elizabeth Purslovv for Nicholas Bourne, 1633. STC 23345. University of Victoria copy.This item is cited in the following documents:
![[Full size image]](graphics/Mercers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Grocers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Drapers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Fishmongers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Goldsmiths.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Skinners.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/MerchantTaylors.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Haberdashers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Salters.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Ironmongers.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Vintners.jpg){kind=link}
![[Full size image]](graphics/Clothworkers.jpg){kind=link}