Merchant Taylors' Company

Merchant Taylors’ Company is one of the “Great Twelve” Livery Companies of the City of London, and dates from mediaeval times. The 108 Livery Companies trace their roots back to the guilds which developed around the different trades active in the City.

Whilst many of the ancient companies now have only vague links with their original trade, new Livery Companies continue to be formed to this day and serve as ‘guilds’ in the traditional sense. The most recently formed is the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals, which became a Livery Company in February 2008.

Merchant Taylors’ was originally a religious and social fraternity, founded before the beginning of the 14th Century by an association of tailors and ‘linen armourers’ (the latter made the padded tunics or ‘gambesons’ worn under suits of armour.) By virtue of a series of Royal Charters granted from 1327 onwards, the functions of the ‘Gild’ were extended and by the end of the 15th Century it controlled the tailoring trade.

However, the membership ceased over time to be composed of craftsmen, and became dominated by merchants trading with other parts of the world. The nature of the organisation therefore changed to the extent that, by the 17th Century, it had become what it is today – a social and philanthropic association devoting its energy to educational and charitable works, forming part of the fabric of the City of London.

Today’s Company plays a role in three key areas of activity: education, social housing, and charitable grant-making. These, together with investments and social activities (serviced by its world-class catering subsidiary, which is available for private hire), are run by a governing body called the Court, composed of people from industries including finance, law, construction and engineering, with the support of a small professional staff.

Senior members of the Company known as the Livery assist the Court in many of the Company’s activities. One such ‘Liveryman’ was John Harrison, founder of Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby.

Applications for Membership of the Company are open to all. Young people often apply to join the Company as an ‘apprentice’ between the ages of 14-26, which involves attending Company events and meeting regularly with an existing member of the Company who acts as a mentor. After a period of time, successful apprentices may be admitted to the Company as “Freemen”, at which time they are also eligible to apply for the Freedom of the City of London.

For more information about the Company and its activities, please visit our website: www.merchant-taylors.co.uk

Merchant Taylors' Company

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