52-682: The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London . The Company, originally known as the Guild and Fraternity of St John the Baptist in the City of London , was founded prior to 1300, first incorporated under a royal charter in 1327, confirmed by later charters in 1408, 1503 and 1719. Its seat is the Merchant Taylors' Hall between Threadneedle Street and Cornhill ,
104-521: A ceremony . A public official is an official of central or local government . Max Weber gave as definition of a bureaucratic official: An official must exercise their judgment and their skills, but their duty is to place these at the service of a higher authority; ultimately they are responsible only for the impartial execution of assigned tasks and must sacrifice their personal judgment if it runs counter to their official duties. As an adjective , "official" often, but not always, means pertaining to
156-533: A court of Assistants (board of directors), responsible for company business and electing its Master and Wardens. The " Clerk to the Company" is the most senior permanent member of staff, who as chief executive officer runs its day-to-day activities. The livery companies elect a majority of the members of the Livery Committee, a body administered at Guildhall . The committee oversees the elections of Sheriffs and
208-708: A guild or meeting hall such as in Derry , a city in Northern Ireland founded and named after London livery companies in the 17th century. Though these halls faced destruction in the Great London Fire of 1666 and during the Blitz of World War II , over forty companies still own or share ownership of livery halls, some elaborate and historic, others modern replacements for halls destroyed or redeveloped. Most of these halls are made available for use by other companies not having
260-451: A nobleman and then by extension to special dress to denote status of belonging to a trade. Livery companies evolved from London 's medieval guilds , becoming corporations by royal charter responsible for training in their respective trades, as well as for the regulation of aspects such as wage control, labour conditions and industry standards. Early guilds often grew out of parish fraternal organizations , where numerous members of
312-474: A challenge/demand from the floor for a ballot which would be held a week later. Any two liverymen may nominate a candidate for the freedom of the City. Before the Reform Act 1832 the liverymen had the exclusive right to elect the four Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the City. Between 1832 and 1918 being a liveryman was one of a number of possible franchises which could qualify a parliamentary elector in
364-447: A corps rather than a guild. City Livery Club , founded in 1914, is a livery-oriented organisation of over 1000 members based at Bell Wharf Lane near Southwark Bridge. The club's motto is uniting the livery, promoting fellowship . The Guild of Young Freemen and the Guild of Freemen of the City of London , whilst not being livery companies, are popular associations amongst the freemen of
416-458: A diocese that did much of its administration, comprising the vicariate-general , an adjoined secretariat, a registry office and a chancery. In Catholicism, the vicar-general was originally called the "official" ( officialis ). The title of official principal , together with that of vicar-general, has in Anglicanism been merged in that of diocesan chancellor of a diocese. In sports ,
468-753: A livery hall of their own. Most ancient livery companies maintain contact with their original trade or craft. In some cases, livery companies have chosen to support a replacement industry fulfilling a similar purpose today, e.g. plastics replacing use of horn or ivory in the case of the Horners' Company and fashion for the Haberdashers' Company . Modern companies are mainly represented by today's professions and industry and operate in close association with these. Many ancient crafts remain as relevant today as when their guilds were originally established. Some still exercise powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement, e.g.
520-514: A magistrate, government official"), the noun use of the original adjective officialis ("of or belonging to duty, service, or office") from officium ("office"). The meaning "person in charge of some public work or duty" was first recorded in 1555. The adjective is first attested in English in 1533 via the Old French oficial . The informal term officialese , the jargon of "officialdom",
572-514: A major interest in charitable support for the elderly and isolated in Inner London, as well as for people living with disabilities. It is a major provider of almshouses in the London Borough of Lewisham and has plans to develop brand new accommodation for local elderly people. Under an order issued by mayor Robert Billesden in 1484, the Company ranks in sixth or seventh place (making it one of
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#1732844725158624-518: A site it has occupied since at least 1347. The Company's motto is Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt , from the Roman historian Sallust meaning In Harmony Small Things Grow . The Company was at first an association of tailors . By the end of the 17th century, its connection with the tailoring trade had virtually ceased and it became what it is today, a philanthropic and social association – albeit that it has recently rekindled its links with Savile Row and
676-563: A tie, scarf, badge or brooch. Freemen are expected to advance to become liverymen by a vote of the court of each company. Liverymen no longer have any local government franchise in the City, but retain the exclusive right of voting in the election of the Lord Mayor (Michaelmas 'Common Hall' 29 September) and for the Sheriffs (Mid-Summer 'Common Hall' 24 June) held at Guildhall as a ceremonial occasion. The votes are made by 'acclamation' subject to
728-413: Is a favourite theory for the origin of the phrase " at sixes and sevens ", as has been pointed out by at least one Master Merchant Taylor; however, it is possible that the phrase may have been coined before the dispute arose, as it comes from the companies both receiving their Charters in 1327 with no proof surviving as to which was granted first. Company without Livery is a status which applies during
780-466: Is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London , England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft , trade or profession . There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London (i.e.
832-663: Is also associated with St John's College, Oxford , founded by Sir Thomas White (a Master of the Company) in 1555, and with Pembroke College, Cambridge . It donates prizes to St. Helen's School in Northwood, which is considered its 'sister school', and supports an opera student at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama . It also supports Treloar School in Hampshire, a school and college for children with physical disabilities. It has
884-516: Is appreciated that any increase in the overall number of livery halls would inevitably lead to some dilution of use of the existing halls. There is also attraction in belonging to a company which is peripatetic . In 1515, the Court of Aldermen of the City of London settled an order of precedence for the 48 livery companies then in existence, based on those companies' contemporary economic or political power. The 12 highest-ranked companies remain known as
936-407: Is close to being a synonym (but has more military connotations ). A functionary is someone who carries out a particular role within an organization; this again is quite a close synonym for official, as a noun , but with connotations closer to bureaucrat . Any such person acts in their official capacity , in carrying out the duties of their office; they are also said to officiate , for example, in
988-592: Is referred to as an incumbent . Something "official" refers to something endowed with governmental or other authoritative recognition or mandate, as in official language , official gazette , or official scorer . The word official as a noun has been recorded since the Middle English period, first seen in 1314. It comes from the Old French official (12th century), from the Latin officialis ("attendant to
1040-636: Is the principal sponsor and organiser of the prestigious biannual "Golden Shears" competition for aspiring young tailors. It owns Merchant Taylors' School in Sandy Lodge and St John's Preparatory School in Northwood, both in Hertfordshire, and is associated with Merchant Taylors' School, Crosby , Merchant Taylors' Girls' School in Crosby, Wolverhampton Grammar School , Foyle and Londonderry College , Wallingford School , and The King's School, Macclesfield . It
1092-523: The Administration of Justice Act 1977 , being in no way guilds never having been related to trading and occupational activities. Guilds which at one point attained the status of livery companies and have since ceased to exist include the following: Official An official is someone who holds an office (function or mandate , regardless of whether it carries an actual working space with it) in an organization or government and participates in
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#17328447251581144-454: The City and Guilds of London Institute . From their inception, livery companies cared for their members in sickness and old age by the giving of alms . Today, they continue to support both their members, and wider charitable aims and activities such as education and training . Numerous educational establishments in England were founded by and retain association with livery companies, among
1196-689: The City of London Solicitors' Company and the Worshipful Company of Engineers . Other companies whose trade died out long ago, such as the Bowyers' Company , have evolved into being primarily charitable foundations . Some companies, such as the Pinmakers, disappeared entirely in the Victorian era . After the Carmen's Company received City livery status in 1848 no new companies were established for 80 years until
1248-511: The City of London constituency , as it was a preserved ancient borough franchise under the terms of the 1832 Act. Today 39 out of 111 City livery companies own premises in London, as well as the Watermen and Lightermen which although not strictly a livery company, retains headquarters still in regular use. Among the earliest companies known to have had halls are the Merchant Taylors and Goldsmiths in
1300-552: The Company of Parish Clerks nor the Company of Watermen have applied or intend to apply for livery status, which remains a long-standing City tradition. This is granted by the City Corporation in effect to control a company. The Watermen and Parish Clerks are governed by statutes and royal charters with responsibilities outside the City. The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to regulate
1352-629: The Honourable Company of Master Mariners in 1926 (granted livery in 1932). Post-1926 creations are known as modern livery companies . The Nurses' Company , the newest, was granted livery status in 2023, making it the 111th City livery company in order of precedence . The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is exceptional among London's livery companies in having active overseas committees in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America. Livery companies were originally formed, starting in
1404-601: The Ironmongers . Many livery halls can be hired for business and social functions, and are popular for weddings , commercial and society meetings, luncheons and dinners. Three livery companies (the Glaziers and Painters of Glass , Launderers and Scientific Instrument Makers ) share a hall in Southwark , just south of and outside the City of London, while the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers has long been based at Proof House in
1456-416: The London Borough of Tower Hamlets . Companies without halls customarily book use of another livery hall for their formal gatherings, giving members and guests the opportunity to visit and enjoy different City livery halls by rotation. Blue plaques throughout the City of London indicate where companies formerly had halls. Whilst several livery companies may aspire to owning or regaining their own hall it
1508-465: The Square Mile , less competitive. The City adapted with Britain's role in the expansion of global trade by establishing exchanges which later became guardians of business conduct . From the 1870s however, there was a revival, with livery companies extending their original educational purpose to technical education, supporting new industries and providing the necessary training, most notably through
1560-587: The freedom of the City of London , now an essential formality, though in the past the Freedom carried benefits, such as being able to drive a flock of sheep across London Bridge at no charge. Livery companies are governed by a Master (alternatively styled Prime Warden in some companies, or Upper Bailiff of the Weavers' Company), a number of Wardens (holding various titles such as the Upper, Middle, Lower, or Renter Wardens), and
1612-600: The watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers and remains the only ancient City guild to be formed and governed by Act of Parliament. They are then strictly not 'companies without livery' at all but simply 'companies'. The Ward Beadles of the City of London are the elected officials, not representatives, of the City Wards so have constitutional standing. They are associated together for mainly communications and social activities; they are
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1664-515: The 12th century, to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified, and that the goods they produced were of reputable quality, the two-fold aim being to protect the public and to protect members from charlatans. After the Middle Ages , they continued to be established until the 17th century, when political upheaval in England, the growth of London outwards from the City rendered many such livery companies, which only controlled trade within
1716-530: The 14th century, and, uniquely, the kitchen and the crypt of Merchant Taylors' Hall survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz , the kitchen now having been in uninterrupted use for over 600 years. Besides part of Merchant Taylors' Hall kitchens, the oldest interiors extant of a livery hall proper are those of the Apothecaries' Society , most rooms of which date from 1668 to 1671; significant portions of
1768-468: The City's Sheriffs , Bridge Masters, Ale Conners , Auditors, members of the City Livery Committee, and approve the aldermanic candidates for election to the office of Lord Mayor of London . Entry to a livery company may be by one of four routes: Regardless of method of entry, membership carries the same duties, responsibilities and privileges. Membership of a livery company may combine with
1820-701: The City, with the young freemen being open to those under the age of 40. The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America (headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) represents Freemen and Liverymen of the City of London living in North America. The City Corporation of London retains the lordship of three manors in Southwark ( Guildable , King's and Great Liberty ). Now membership organisations, members are eligible to serve as ceremonial officers or jurors in their relevant manorial jurisdiction . These courts retain legal-standing under
1872-626: The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office , while others are awarding bodies for professional qualifications. The Scriveners' Company admits senior members of legal and associated professions, the Apothecaries' Society awards post-graduate qualifications in some medical specialities, and the Hackney Carriage Drivers' Company comprises licensed taxi drivers who have passed the " Knowledge of London " test. Several companies restrict membership to those holding relevant professional qualifications, e.g.
1924-638: The Great Twelve City Livery Companies) in the order of precedence of the Livery Companies, alternating with the Skinners' Company . The annual switch occurs at Easter . The Merchant Taylors are normally sixth in the order of precedence in odd numbered years, and at seven in even numbered years. 51°30′51″N 0°05′07″W / 51.5141°N 0.0854°W / 51.5141; -0.0854 Livery company A livery company
1976-489: The Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Presently, there are 111 City livery companies, with the newer companies generally being ranked by seniority of creation. The origins of some companies, and the granting of their liveries, are now obscure. The Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have long disputed their precedence, so once a year (at Easter) they swap between sixth and seventh places. This mix-up
2028-466: The Lord Mayor, educates liverymen regarding the City Corporation's activities and represents the livery companies in communications with the City. Membership generally falls into two categories: freemen and liverymen. One may become a freeman, or be admitted to the "freedom of the company", upon fulfilling certain criteria: traditionally, by "patrimony", if either parent/grandparent were a liveryman of
2080-512: The Master, Wardens and Assistants wear livery gowns at company functions. Masters wear them at the City's formal events, e.g. the two Common Halls and the United Guilds Service, and Lord Mayor's Show, wherever they may participate. Ordinarily, liverymen wear ties or brooches at formal functions and each company differs by allowing men/women to wear distinct items subject to the occasion, such as
2132-597: The annual election of the Lord Mayor of London , the Sheriffs and various other City civic offices, including the Ale Conners and Bridge Masters . A liveryman is a full member of his/her respective company. When a freeman is promoted liveryman, the candidate is said to be 'clothed in the livery': indeed, a livery gown is placed on him at the Court meeting which he wears to the subsequent formal or social occasion. Thereafter only
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2184-493: The best-known being the Haberdashers' , Merchant Taylors' and Skinners' schools. Most livery companies maintain proud affiliations with regular and reserve units of the British Armed Forces , providing links between civilian and military life. The livery companies have always been a constituent part of the governance of the City of London . The senior members of the livery companies, i.e. liverymen , elect
2236-483: The bishop's ordinary judicial power over the diocese and presides over the diocesan ecclesiastical court . The 1983 Code of Canon Law gives precedence to the title judicial vicar, rather than that of officialis (canon 1420). The Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches uses only the title judicial vicar (canon 191). In German, the related noun Offizialat was also used for an official bureau in
2288-545: The company; by "servitude", if one has served a requisite number of years as an apprentice to a senior company member; or by "redemption", upon paying a fee. Most livery companies reserve the right to admit distinguished people, particularly in their sphere of influence, as Honorary Freeman/Liveryman/Assistant . Freemen may advance to become liverymen, after obtaining the Freedom of the City of London , and with their court of Assistants' approval. Only liverymen are eligible to vote in
2340-423: The exercise of authority (either their own or that of their superior or employer, public or legally private). An elected official is a person who is an official by virtue of an election . Officials may also be appointed ex officio (by virtue of another office, often in a specified capacity, such as presiding, advisory, secretary). Some official positions may be inherited . A person who currently holds an office
2392-467: The fabric of this building are also medieval, from the 13th-century priory, part of which became Apothecaries' Hall. Several companies that do not have a hall of their own share office premises within the hall of another company on a semi-permanent basis, examples being the Spectacle Makers' Company , which uses part of Apothecaries' Hall, and the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights , which co-habits with
2444-479: The faithful Pars dynamica (trial procedure) Canonization Election of the Roman Pontiff Academic degrees Journals and Professional Societies Faculties of canon law Canonists Institute of consecrated life Society of apostolic life In canon law , the word or its Latin original officialis is used absolutely as the legal title of a diocesan bishop's judicial vicar who shares
2496-503: The financial district and historic heart of the capital ), not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices , such as the Lord Mayor , Sheriffs and Common Council of the City Corporation , London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers. The term livery originated in the designed form of dress worn by retainers of
2548-501: The period between when a guild is recognised by the Court of Aldermen and when it is granted the rights of a livery. A guild initially applies to be a London Guild , and may later apply to the Court to become a Company of the City of London . After an indefinite period, such a Company of the City of London can apply to the Aldermen for livery status; if granted, they can thereafter use the honorific prefix Worshipful Company . Neither
2600-720: The same trade lived in close proximity often congregating at the same church . Like most organisations during the Middle Ages , these livery companies had close ties with the Roman Catholic Church (before the Protestant Reformation ), endowing religious establishments such as chantry chapels and churches , observing religious festivals and hosting ceremonies as well as well-known mystery plays . Most livery companies retain their historical religious associations, although nowadays members are free to follow any faith or none. Livery companies invariably established
2652-492: The term official is used to describe a person enforcing playing rules in the capacity of an assistant referee , referee and umpire ; also specified by the discipline, e.g. American football official , ice hockey official . An official competition is created or recognized as valid by the competent body, is agreed to or arranged by people in positions of authority. It is synonymous, among others, with approved, certified, recognized, endorsed, and legitimate. The term officer
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#17328447251582704-663: Was first recorded in 1884. An officialis ( plural officiales ) was the official term (somewhat comparable to a modern civil servant) for any member of the officium (staff) of a high dignitary such as a governor. Jus novum ( c. 1140 -1563) Jus novissimum ( c. 1563 -1918) Jus codicis (1918-present) Other Sacraments Sacramentals Sacred places Sacred times Supra-diocesan/eparchal structures Particular churches Juridic persons Philosophy, theology, and fundamental theory of Catholic canon law Clerics Office Juridic and physical persons Associations of
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