|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
City Livery Companies
|
|
The descendants of London's medieval craft guilds. Originally sharing the aim of modern trade unions, to promote the well-being of their members, they exercise now mainly a charitable and social function. In recent times it has become the custom to establish new companies for new professions (the Air Pilots' and Air Navigators' Guild, for example) and there are now 94 companies in all.
|
|
|
|
The Great Twelve are, in order of precedence: the Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Fishmongers (who still exercise their original function, with control over London's fish markets), Goldsmiths (they too retain craft responsibilities, for *hallmarks and for the *Trial of the Pyx), Merchant Taylors and Skinners (alternating in sixth and seventh places after a dispute over precedence in the 15C, or being 'at *sixes and sevens'), Haberdashers (great founders of schools, with eight thriving around the country), Salters, Ironmongers, Vintners and Clothworkers.
|
|
|
|