What follows is extracts from an excellent short leaflet published by the City of London in Sept 2009 plus some updates.

 

Livery Origins

Some trade guilds, forerunners of livery companies in Britain, can be traced back to the 12th C or even earlier. Earliest charter still in existence -Weavers Company (1155). Early Guilds controlled manufacture and selling of most goods and services in the City of London. As Guilds became more established they set up their own headquarters in large houses or Halls.

Some guilds introduced their own distinctive clothing and regalia - or livery - and quickly became known as livery companies.

The livery companies' had a significant trading position which gave them a key role in the government of the Square Mile. In 1475 a charter confirmed liverymen the exclusive right to elect the City Sheriffs (Shire-reeve), the King's representative. This right is still carried out today every year on Mid-Summers Day at Guildhall.

In 1515 their were 48 companies. The Lord Mayor established an order of precedence for them resolving years of dispute. At their peak in the 17th C, politics, wars, the Industrial Revolution, traders from outside the City of London....., put them under pressure. The ability and willingness to embrace and encourage new technologies associated with their craft, supporting their industry through research grants gave then a new lease of life. They have also been prominent in Education and Training e.g. The City and Guilds (Founded 1878) vocational qualifications.  

Looking after their members in sickness and old age was part of the responsibility of the Livery companies and today their charitable donations across a wide spectrum are substantial.

In the 20th C, 2 new livery companies were formed before the 2nd World War and 29 since taking the number in November 2011 to 108. (To see all their Coats of Arms - try to get Guidhall they are displayed all round the wall - in order of precedence. The Newer companies include World Traders, Hackney Carriage Drivers, Tax Advisors and Security Professionals.

To become a new company, a group of people (usually at least 100) must satisfy the Court of Alderman that they have the resources and willingness to continue their association indefinitely. They must have strong ties with the Square Mile and have a significant number of members engaged in a particular trade, profession or craft.

Livery Companies - a summary of some of their backgrounds.
This section was encouraged by the 2011 Programme for the Lord Mayor's Show - in time will be added to.

Bowyers (1300's)
Originally a single company called Bowers and Fletchers (Makers of bows and arrows respectively), split in 1371 to form to separate Companies. Today they focus on the disabled and in 2011/12 actively supported those taking part in the Paralympics.

Fletchers (Fleche = Fr for arrow) (1st mention 1385)
In recent times have established an annual shoot for disabled archers together with support for the 2012 and 2016 paralympics. 

Woolmen (1180) - The origins predate the office of The Lord Mayor, but  it was incorporated as a Livery Company in 1522. Today they support they support the very important UK wool industry by providing scholarships to study wool technology, prizes for shearing competitions and organising major conferences, meeting involving international industry leaders.

Glaziers and Painters of Glass
First mention of the Guild of glaziers 1328. No 53 in the order of precedence. Today the Glaziers Trust supports training and education in this specialst field, in addition to major involvement with the restoration and conservation of historic stained glass. They still have very old and important pieces of stained glass that might have been deposited with them for safekeeping, where the records are missing - serious research is necessary to try to restore some of these pieces to their rightful owners - if they are still in existence.

Masons
Formed to safeguard the welfare of its members and top regulate the craft of stonemasonry. Today provides financial support for students and apprentices and actively fosters the use of stone in Buildings via its award schemes

More to be added re those that follow
Watermen (transporting people and goods along the River Thames) and Lightermen (transferring goods beween ships and quays)

Lighterman joined the company in 1555

Clockmakers (1631)
Granted their Charter by Charles I to control the horological trade in and around the City of London. Today the Company awards scholarships and bursaries to those trsaining to be watch or clockmakers and those researching the measurment of time.

Solicitors (Company Founded in 1908 and Granted Livery in 1944)
Unique in that its Members must have practised within 1 mile of the Bank of England or of Canary Wharf (a more recent regulation I presume).
  


Information Technologists
Members leading IT professionals. Runs a programme of charitable and educational activities.

Security Professionals (Number 108 - Formed in 1999 - Granted Livery in 2008)
Members come form a wide range of differing areas including security professionals, serving and retired members of the police, armed services, consultants and academics.

In addition, The Guld of Educators - founded in 2001 as the 1st step towards becoming a full Livery Company. Supporting the Profession of Educating and Training.