The livery company – or guild – tradition stretches back hundreds of years. Some of the older UK livery companies include the Mercers (1394), the Merchant Taylors (1327) and the Grocers (1428); newer arrivals include the Insurers (1979), the Marketors (1977) and, of course, the Information Technologists (1992).

The origins of livery companies

Livery companies began when people involved in the same craft or trade started making informal arrangements amongst themselves to regulate competition, maintain standards and protect each other in times of sickness or hardship. The companies also helped to preserve knowledge and skills for future generations.

Formal structures

Over the years, livery companies developed formal structures. Each company was led by an elected master and had its own headquarters or livery hall. Royal charters gave them control over their own craft and the right to acquire property. Companies usually had four types of member: Apprentices – the usual entry to a trade or craft was through a seven-year apprenticeship. Journeymen – craftsmen who had served their apprenticeship. Freemen – craftsmen granted the freedom of the City of London. Liverymen – freemen with their own businesses were admitted as full members of the company.

What does ‘livery’ mean?

The term 'livery' refers to the distinctive badges or clothes worn by company members. Ceremonial dress is still worn on official occasions.

Livery companies today

The livery tradition – with its emphasis on shared values, high standards, innovation and integrity – remains as relevant today as ever. All livery companies have close links with the City of London Corporation, the structure and history of which is closely linked to the history of the livery companies. Its constitution is based on the ancient rights enjoyed by the citizens of London which King William I recognised in a Royal Charter in 1067. Each year, the Lord Mayor and sheriffs are elected by the Common Hall, an electoral body made up solely of liverymen.
 

The Corporation today

The City of London Corporation provides local government services – such as housing, refuse collection, education, social services, environmental health and town planning – for the City of London. It is also committed to maintaining and enhancing the City’s status as the world's leading international financial and business centre. 

As well as carrying out all the functions of a local authority, the City of London Corporation runs its own police force and the country’s central criminal court, the Old Bailey. It provides five bridges across the river Thames, runs the quarantine station at Heathrow airport, and is the port health authority for the whole of the Thames tidal estuary. The markets at Billingsgate, Spitalfields and Smithfield also belong to the Corporation.

For more information see City of London Corporation.