(Please also refer to: City of London Livery Companies)

Their origins lie in the mists of time but they descend from medieval "Misteries" or Trade Guilds. Members often congregated together in the same areas for mutual assistance, and examples include Wood Street, Bread Street, Leadenhall Market and many others. This enabled trade disputes to be settled at their Halls, as well as controlling quality and prices. Members received help in sickness and religion played a major role. Entry was usually by apprenticeship, after which the apprentice became a freeman, able to work for himself and one day obtain the freedom of the City of London. This gave many privileges above the ordinary tradesman.

The Declaration of a Freeman
"I do solemnly swear that I will be good and true to our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth the Second; that I will be obedient to the Mayor of this City; that I will maintain the Franchises and Customs thereof, and will keep this City harmless, in that which is in me; that I will also keep the Queen's Peace in my own person; that I will know no Gatherings nor Conspiracies made against the Queen's Peace, but I will warn the Mayor thereof, or hinder it to my power; and that all these points and articles I will well and truly keep, according to the Laws and Customs of this City, to my power."

The word "livery" derives from clothing worn to denote the allegiances of the wearer. In the 17th Century many Londoners wore bright cloaks, so Companies began to provide distinctive coats for their members, hoods for senior members and a hat for the Master! Today Livery Companies maintain many of the traditions of the past and provide substantial charitable help to many other organisations and individuals. Some new Companies recruit only from within their professions but ancient Liveries often have a much wider membership.

A summary of key facts about modern day Livery Companies can be found in the 'Livery Profile'