New Members

LIVERYMEN

The term livery originated in the specific form of dress worn by retainers of a nobleman and then by extension to special dress to denote the status of belonging to a trade. Livery companies evolved from London’s medieval Guilds, becoming Corporations under Royal Charter responsible for training in their respective trades and crafts, 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 large groups of members of the same trade lived in close proximity and gathered at the same church, the only place large enough to hold meetings.

A Liveryman is a full member of his or her respective company. When a Freeman becomes a Liveryman, the candidate is said to be ‘Clothed’: indeed, a clothing gown is usually placed on him at the Court ceremony (although in our case we simply present the new Liveryman with a blue ribbon) and he is seen at the ensuing dinner wearing it.

Thereafter only the Master, Wardens, Clerk and Stewards are seen wearing clothing gowns at company events.

Liverymen no longer have any local authority franchise in the City but retain the exclusive right of voting in the election of the Lord Mayor of the City of London (Michaelmas ‘Common Hall’ 29 September) and for the two elected Sheriffs (Mid-Summer ‘Common Hall’ 24 June) held in Guildhall as a ceremonial occasion.

Liverymen (this term is applied to all genders) are expected to support their company with their attendance, participation and charitable endeavour. In return they enjoy fellowship with their fellow members, an opportunity to support their trade, craft or profession and enjoy the culture and heritage of the City of London.

FREEMEN

Applicants who achieve Freedom of the Company must then obtain the Freedom of the City of London before they are eligible to join the Livery; however the Company will sponsor and assist throughout that process.

Applicants that become a Freeman of the Company are generally expected to proceed to become a Liveryman of the Company, which is by invitation and subject to available places within the Company’s charter limit. It is only for Liverymen who can fully participate in and enjoy the full benefits and activities of the Company.

The Freedom of the City of London is undertaken by the Clerk to the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall. Today most of the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared. It nevertheless remains as a unique part of London’s history to which many people who have lived or worked in the City have been proud to be admitted.

Prior to 1996, the Freedom was only open to British or Commonwealth Citizens. Now, however, it has been extended globally and persons of any nationality may be admitted either through nomination or by being presented by a Livery Company.

The City of London is keen to maintain the Freedom as a living tradition. The Freedom is open to all who are genuinely interested or invited to it. It is now open to overseas nationals as well as UK citizens. The City Freemen comprises of a very broad cross-section of the population.

The usual procedure is to become a Freemen of the Company first and then apply for the City Freedom. All Redemption Freedom applications to the Chamberlain’s Court are then approved by the Court of Aldermen. A timetable of closing dates is published annually which is linked to Court of Aldermen meetings, usually seven annually.