Livery and Livery Companies
The precursors of the Modern Professional Bodies and Trade Association, were original guilds. Over time granted wide ranging powers by a succession of individual Royal Charters. The oldest extant royal charter being for The Weavers’ Company 1155.Involved in educating Apprentices, Regulation e.g. Assay Marks and the Goldsmiths Company. Called “Livery” Companies because of the different colours and design of their Robes. Many are referred to as Worshipful Company of, infers a connection with a religious fraternity and that they Worship. As of 2017 there are 110 Livery companies, who between them donate over £40,000,000 per annum in support of Education, training and other Charitable endeavours.

With grateful thanks to Paul Jagger and The City of London Freeman’s Guide  – a really excellent book -new updated version, released Feb 2017.