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Livery Companies
[Page updated 24th March 2007]. For further information contact: info@stjamesgarlickhythe.org.uk
Whilst the Weavers’ Charter of 1155 is the oldest existing livery company charter, there are currently 105 existence plus several potential new companies ‘in the pipe line’. In the year 2003, Livery companies raised a combined total of some £48 million for a wide variety of charities.
A Corporation of London publication defines the modern Livery’s strength to survive as follows:
"The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the medieval guilds have long been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but in spite of this livery companies have survived and flourished. Some still own halls, schools, almshouses, investments, land and substantial charitable funds.
They have proud histories, traditions, records, magnificent treasures and above all, a determination that their work should continue. Their survival has been achieved by doing what they have always done, namely fostering their professions, crafts and trades in a wide context, serving the community, supporting the City of London and promoting modern skills and professional development."
Livery companies associated with St James
The Church has a close association with 11 of the 104 Livery Companies of the City of London, namely the following Worshipful Companies in order of precedence:
Skinners, Vintners, Dyers, Painter-Stainers, Joiners and Ceilers, Horners, Needlemakers, Glass Sellers and Looking Glass Makers, Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers and the Fanmakers.
A close association is also maintained with a further historic Company, the Parish Clerks – one of only three City companies that chose to remain without livery.
The above companies have contributed greatly to the overall support, restoration and maintenance of Saint James Garlickhythe over the centuries and it is much appreciated.
We show below the coat of arms and a brief description of each of the above companies. The ‘charter date’ shown is the earliest evidence of a company’s formation, ordinances or charter.
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The Skinners Company
http://www.skinnershall.co.uk/
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Charter dated 1327. Traders in pelts and treated animal skins for fur dressing. The guild controlled the English fur trade until the 18th century and now administers many charities, schools and almshouses. Skinners’ Hall is located within the parish in Dowgate Hill. The Clerk to the company is Major General Brian Plummer CBE. Tel 020 7236 5629. |
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Charter dated 1364. Those in the wine trade. Founders of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust and the Institute of Masters of Wine. Responsible for EU wine legislation implementation through its Wine Standards Board. Vintners’ Hall is located within the parish in Upper Thames Street. The Clerk to the company is Brig. M. Smythe OBE. Tel: 020 7236 1863. |
Vintners Company
http://www.stjamesgarlickhythe.org.uk/edit/www.vintnershall.co.uk
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Dyers Company
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Charter dated 1471. Dyers of cloth, still supporting aspects of its craft through universities and colleges and the Society of Dyers and Colourists, an international examining and professional body. Dyers’ Hall is located in the parish in Dowgate Hill. The Clerk to the company is Past Master Russell Vaizey Tel: 020 7236 7197. |
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Charter dated 1268. Originally stainers on cloth and painters of wood and other materials. The two were united in the Painter-Stainers in 1502. The company awards bursaries and prizes. Supports charities, particularly for the blind. Painters’ Hall is located in the parish in Little Trinity Lane. The appointment of a new Clerk to the company is tba. Tel: 020 7236 7070. |
The Painter-Stainers Company
http://www.painters-hall.co.uk/
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The Worshipful Company of
Joiners and Ceilers
http://www.joinersandceilers.co.uk/
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Whilst the charter's dated 1571, the company has enjoyed a close association with St James for over 600 years and still represents the crafts of joinery and wood carving and in particular supports young craftsmen in the trade. The Company meets in various Halls in the City. The Clerk to the company is Mrs A L Jackson BA. Tel: 01483 727 113. |
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Charter dated 1638. Originally workers in horn, today the Company has a strong association with those working in modern plastic materials. The Company is based within the parish at the Painters’ Hall in Little Trinity Lane. The Clerk to the Company is Raymond Layard. Tel: 020 7384 1575. |
The Worshipful Company
of Horners
http://www.horners.org.uk/
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Needlemakers Company
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Charter dated 1656. Makers of needles, including surgical needles and sutures, the Company still maintains links with the industry. The Company is based within the parish at the Innholders’ Hall in College Street. The Clerk to the Company is Michael G. Cook. Te: 020 7242 5031. |
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Charter dated 1664. The Company’s activities resulted in the 17th century invention of English lead crystal glass. Today, the Company still patronises the art, craft, science and technology of glass, including glass fibre optics, through various awards.
The Company holds some Court Dinners within the parish at the Painters’ Hall in Little Trinity Lane, and holds its annual Services on Sundays at St James Garlickhythe.
The Honorary Clerk to the Company is Colonel Audrey J. Smith. Tel: 020 7837 2231. |
The Glass Sellers Company
http://www.glass-sellers.co.uk/
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The Gold and Silver Wyre
Drawers Company
http://www.goldandsilverwyredrawers.co.uk/
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Charter date 1693. Makers of gold and silver braid for uniforms and ceremonial clothes. The Company maintains a strong link with the Royal School of Needlework.
The Company is based within the parish at the Painters’ Hall in Little Trinity Lane.
The Clerk to the Company is T J Waller FCIB. Tel: 01372 370104. |
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Charter date 1709. Originally makers of ladies’ fans, the Company now also concerns itself with mechanical fans in all their engineering uses. The Company is located within the parish at the Skinners’ Hall in Dowgate Hill. The Clerk to the Company is Keith Patterson. Tel: 020 7329 4633. |
The Fanmakers Company
www.fanmakers.com
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Parish Clerks
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Charter date 1442. This ancient Company without livery, comprises members who have to hold or have held a Parish Clerkship in one of London’s 150 parishes, the majority of which are located within the Square Mile. The Company carries out charitable works and meets at various Livery Halls, some within our parish. The Clerk to the Company is B J N Coombes. Tel: 01420 543913. | |
