Since the earliest days of the livery movement, company members have met regularly to exchange views and conduct business. These meetings would take place in livery halls; often grand mansions bequeathed to companies by wealthy liverymen. Some of the oldest halls, including the Mercers’ Hall and the Merchant Taylors’ Hall, still survive and are of enormous historic interest in their own right.

First new livery hall

The Information Technologists’ Hall at 39a Bartholomew Close was opened by the Lord Mayor in September 2001, and is the first new livery hall to open in the City of London for over 50 years. The building dates back to the mid-18th century, and has been through a variety of different incarnations including a period as the "Rose and Crown" public house!

Strengthening ties

The area around Bartholomew Close is home to several other livery companies (including the Butchers, Haberdashers, Farmers & Fletchers, and Founders) as well as many major commercial firms and City institutions. Locating our hall here has helped strengthen our ties with the wider livery movement and the City of London.