The Livery Companies of London are an integral part of the city's history. They exist today - 107 of them - although they no longer have the same role and responsibilities as they did over 500 years ago.
In those times they were strict guardians of the city trades and crafts...the Mercers, the Goldsmiths, the Butchers, the Armourers and Brasiers, the Bakers and, yes, the candlemakers....the Tallow Chandlers and the Wax Chandlers....and so it goes on. They all have a wealth of fascinating stories to tell.
There are no equivalent organisations in today's business and commercial world but the Livery Companies survive, promoting modern industries by financing education and training in schools and colleges.
Take, for example, the Coachmakers and Coach Harnessmakers who once had complete control over this craft; their original Livery Hall was lost in the Great Fire of 1666 and the replacement was destroyed, like many others during a bombing raid on 29th December 1940. Now they share some space with the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers who have a hall in Dowsett Hill which still retains many of the features from the period of restoration in 1672.
The first LONDON FOOTSTEPS outing of 2008 was to the Apothecaries' Hall in Blackfriars Lane. This fine hall, rebuilt in 1670 after the Great Fire, is an architectural gem and one which is always worth a visit. The Beadle, John Williams, is an excellent host. No wonder it is one of the most popular outings on the LONDON FOOTSTEPS programme.
If you want to find out what walks and visits are coming up in the next few weeks -including a tour of Fishmongers' Hall - then get in touch with us by emailing info@londonfootsteps.co.uk You can reserve a place on any of the future outings.
