Livery Companies

The Twelve Great Livery Companies

The Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London are listed here in the order of precedence established in 1515. To serve as Lord Mayor, an Alderman had to be free (i.e., a member) of one of these twelve companies.

Lesser Companies Mentioned in MoEML

For a complete list of companies still active in London, see The Livery Companies Database.

References

  • Citation

    Stow, John, The survey of London contayning the originall, increase, moderne estate, and government of that city, methodically set downe. With a memoriall of those famouser acts of charity, which for publicke and pious vses have beene bestowed by many worshipfull citizens and benefactors. As also all the ancient and moderne monuments erected in the churches, not onely of those two famous cities, London and Westminster, but (now newly added) foure miles compasse. Begunne first by the paines and industry of Iohn Stovv, in the yeere 1598. Afterwards inlarged by the care and diligence of A.M. in the yeere 1618. And now completely finished by the study and labour of A.M. H.D. and others, this present yeere 1633. Whereunto, besides many additions (as appeares by the contents) are annexed divers alphabeticall tables; especially two: the first, an index of things. The second, a concordance of names. London: Printed by Elizabeth Purslovv for Nicholas Bourne, 1633. STC 23345. U of Victoria copy.

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