Motto: Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt (In Harmony Small Things Grow)
Merchant Taylors - One of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London
What we know about 'George Gynne' shows that there were actually two 'George Gynns, both Merchant Taylors', father and son:
"George Ginn was born in the reign of King Henry the 8th in Stevenage. He went to London and was apprenticed as a Merchant Tailor and later granted Freedom of the City. He did quite well for himself during the reign of Good Queen Bess, married and had three sons and a daughter - Wilfred, William, Richard and Jane. All three sons are mentioned in various surviving records and two are known to have married, but the Ginn line died out. Jane married a man called Cooke and had a number of children, some (as are the Ginn family themselves) mentioned in "Boyds Inhabitants of London"". Dr Taylor also states that "I should tell you that a good number of the early Ginns of Stevenage were tailors and were finely dressed." (Ginn Hertfordshire Blog by Michael Taylor)
King Henry the 8th reigned from 22 April 1509 – 28 January 1547.
A George Gyn appears in the '1541 London Subsidy roll: Tower Ward' with the amounts (£20) (10 shillings) shown. (Note 1) The 'Cloth Workers Hall' is located in this ward.
A George Gynne, son of George Gynne is christened 22 Apr 1557, St Michael Queenhithe with Holy Trinity the Less, London. This is probably the 'George Gynne' who was awarded the Coat of Arms. Queen Elizabeth I was monarch when this George was born.
What appear to be siblings, five in all (Symon (1552), William (1555), John (1556, Infant death), Jane (1559) and Rychard (1563)) are christened in the same church. (source: IGI) Dr Taylor does not mention Symon in his post shown above but does mention Wilfrid who is not shown in the IGI. Their mother's name is not stated. Wilfrid died in 1603 without issue. There are no known children of Symon or Rychard.
A 'Symon Gyn' and a 'William Gyn' are shown admitted to the 'Merchant Taylors School' in 1563 and 1564. (Note 2)
As Dr Taylor has said, Jane married a John Cooke (or Cook). She then moved to Yorkshire. Cooke claimed the Gynn arms and officially, in 1653:
"the said John Cooke may beare the Armes & Creast hereafter mentioned videlizet Ermyn a Lyon Passant in Bend between two Cottices gules quartered with the Armes of Gynn, which is Vert a Griffin Saliant Or on a chief indented Argent three Ogresses" —which was a slightly altered version, the 'tincture' or background colour on the Gynn coat was changed from 'azure' to 'vert'. Their shield became a combination of the two family's coats of arms. (Note 3)
It must have been known at this time that there were no other heirs who may have laid claim.
William, son of George, who was born 25 May 1555 and died 11 Sep 1593, with the title 'Gentleman', also without issue. On 2 Dec 1589, William Gynn, Haberdasher, of St Edmund, Lombard Street, London marries Elizabeth Cotton, spinster, of St Benet Fink, daughter of Roger Cotton, Draper, deceased. (Note 4)
"William Gyn was seised in his demesne as of fee of 2 gardens and 3 tenements newly built in the same gardens, now or late in the several tenures of John Johnson, Edward Wheatley and . . . Allison, lying in Colemanstreat in the parish of St. Stephen, London". (Note 5)
He was devoted to his wife, Elizabeth and willed at least part of his property to her. Afterwards, Elizabeth married a certain Thomas Rosewarne. Also mentioned is 'Richard Gyn, brother of the said William is his next heir, and was then aged 28 years ... as well as George Gynn, William's father' leaving little doubt who he was. (Note 5)
A George Gyn, or Gynne, or Gyne, or Gyene appears numerous times as a juror in 'Inquisitions Post Mortem For the City of London' at least until 1577. (Note 6)
A George Gynn, citizen and merchant tailor is mentioned on 4 Oct. 1566, in 'Calendar of the patent rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Elizabeth [I], v.3 1563-1566.' with respect to 'two gardens, now in the several tenures of George Gynne, citizen and merchant taylor of London'. These gardens are located in 'the Parish of St. Stephen in Colmanstrete, London'. On the same day, a suit of trespass is brought by George Gynne, 'marchaunt taylor', against John Alleyn. (Note 7) It is probably the elder 'George' that this refers to since younger George, born in 1557, is only nine years old when this event took place. This infers that elder 'George' is also a Merchant Taylor and also suggests that he may be the man to whom younger 'George' was apprenticed.
A George Gynne appears on 10 June 1567 and again on 26 March 1569 in the 'Calendar of the patent rolls preserved in the Public Record Office: Elizabeth [I]' in reference to 'messuages in Colmanstreate in the Parish of St. Stephen, London'. (Note 8) Again, it is improbable that a ten to twelve year old would own such property.
During the mayoralty of Sir Thomas Rowe, citizen and merchant taylor, a George Gynne (and fifteen others of the 'Bachelors Company') "whose names are here underwritten, shall give theire attendance at the Guildehall upon the morrowe after Symonde and Jude nexte, and to helpe to carry in ye servis of meate to the Ladies and Gentilwomen and other Estate that shalbe sett and be served before the Mayor, shall come from Westminster". (Note 9) This is likely 'George Gynne, son of George Gynne, who was christened 22 Apr 1557' as this puts him close to the age of a typical apprentice at the time.
Sir Thomas Rowe was Lord Mayor of London from 1568-1569, he died 2 Sep 1570. He was Master of the Merchant Taylors in 1557-1558.
A George Gynne of London, Merchant Taylor sues Edmund Mowtynge and Thomas Willett in 1571 for debts. (CP40/1298, early_findings_WAALT.htm); In 1573, a George Gynne of London, Merchant Taylor also sues Robert Cristmas of London, esq. for debt. (CP40/1316-8) About seventy years later, in 1641, a John Gynn, citizen and Merchant Taylor of London sues a Bartholomew Brookes of London, brewer for a Debt on a Contract of £40. (KB27/1667) Who is this 'John Gynn' and £40 in 1641 was a lot of money? (Note 10)
In 1571, a George Gynn and Alice his wife, widow of John Webbe, executors of the estate of John Webbe, sadler, are shown in several suits against a Weston Browne, Robert Vere, George Norton, Alexander Kele, Edward Pyke, Thomas Broke, Robert Broke, Robert Chrismas, John Wilde, William Pyerson and Richard Haward for debts.
From an 'Inquisition taken at the Guildhall, 27 Oct., 18 Eliz. [1576]'. John Webb died (about 1565) along with his daughter Margaret who had died in 1574 leaving no heirs; she was only fourteen. George Gynne had married Alice and they were "seised of the said premises" and then "George Gynne in right of Alice his wife, who still survives, takes the profits of the said premises". (Note 11)
John Webb was seised of the messuage or inn called the Whitehorse in the parish of St. Katherine Christ’s Church within Aldgate, London. When John died, his daughter and heir, Margaret, was then only five years old. (Note 12)
The 'White Horse' was located at 31 Houndsditch, Aldgate, London. The area was bombed to rubble in WW2 and has been completely rebuilt but there is a pub, The Lion, still at this address, which is very near to Threadneedle Street, the location of the offices and gardens of the Merchant Taylors, at #30, to this day. Both suits mention a 'Robert Cristmas', inferring its the same man. Again, judging from the date of the event, this would be the elder George Gynn.
In the same year (1571), an Alexander Smytheman of Hoddesdon, "loder", maltman, executor of George Mathew is shown in suit against a John Gynne of London, yeoman, or of Aston, Herts, husbandman, for debt. (CP40/1295-98) This is the 'John Gynne (ca 1525-1592)' who married his cousin, Katherine. (Ginn Hertfordshire Blog by Dr Michael Taylor)
In 1585, a George Gynn sues Thomas Warren and William Shawe, in London for debts. (CP40/1438-9)
On 3 Dec 1588, a George Gynn, of St Edmund's, Lombard Street, London, Merchant Taylor, marries Mary Johnson, of same, Sp, dau. of [blank] Johnson, late of Barnett, Herts. (Note 13) This is the same address as William, shown above. This would be the younger George. By coincidence, a man named 'John Johnson' also held property in Coleman Street, as mentioned above.
Interestingly, just prior to the time of either George Gynn, "Thomas Cromwell ... arguably the most important politician of the Tudor age: architect of the Protestant Reformation, ruthless servant of King Henry VIII, fascinatingly cosmopolitan and as committed to founding his own dynasty as was his royal master for the Tudors". ... "A Merchant Taylor, his membership of this Company was a mark of his place in the world of international commerce, simultaneously enabling him to make lots of useful friends for the future, and enemies among the established aristocracy". Thomas Cromwell (b 1485, d 1540) (A Tudor Upstart)
So who were the 'Linen-Armourers', who were these 'Merchant Taylors', what is the 'Bachelors Company' and what does it mean to be "granted Freedom of the City"?
The Company of Merchant Taylors evolved from guilds or 'misteries' that existed long before George Gynn was born. It is therefore possible that a Gynn from Stevenage had been a 'Merchant Taylor' before George, or as they were earlier known, a 'Linen-Armourer'. These ancient tailors were trained to dress out a knight, or soldier, with his doublet inside the suit of armour. Although it was concealed most of the time, it still had to look good and, importantly, fit properly. Did John Peryent bring his own 'Linen-Armourer' with him? Could this be another connection between Gynn and Peryent?
According to Louise Creighton in her book "Life of Edward the Black Prince", in the year 1357:
"The twelve great gilds, the Livery Companies of the city, the Merchant Taylors, Goldsmiths, Leathersellers, and the unions of the artificers of special crafts, were then at the very summit of their wealth and importance. They possessed exclusive privileges with regard to their special trade, which none might practise except members of the gild. Admission into the gild was almost impossible, as the aim of the gild brothers was to make their crafts monopolies of a few families. These gilds were possessed of enormous wealth, and ruled the city of London. So important were they, that Edward III. himself, as well as the Black Prince, became members of the gild of Merchant Taylors. Now the gilds were ordered to prepare a grand reception for the Prince of Wales and his prisoners. Each gild went out, headed by its warden, with its banners borne before. Mounted on horseback, 1,000 of the chief citizens went out to Southwark to meet the Prince". (pg 116)
This was two hundred years before George joined and it shows the importance that had been bestowed, very early on.
At roughly the same time, touching on the notion of 'freedom of the city':
"A regulation of this period, which was inserted in a charter, provided that no person should be admitted to the freedom of the city unless he was a member of one of the Guilds or City Companies. The earliest of these to be enrolled were the Goldsmiths, Linen Armourers (now the Merchant Tailors) and Skinners. Afterwards the Grocers (originally Pepperers), Fishmongers, Drapers, Salters and Vintners received charters ... By virtue of their charters the guilds made their own laws, elected their own officers, held the right to acquire property and to control their own trades". (London: Historical and Descriptive. by Ben Jonson, Blackie & Son, London, 1906, pg 57)
"The medieval term 'freeman' meant someone who was not the property of a feudal lord but enjoyed privileges such as the right to earn money and own land. Town dwellers who were protected by the charter of their town or city were often free – hence the term 'freedom' of the City." and is "One of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today, is believed to have been first presented in 1237". (Freedom of the City of London)
"From the Middle Ages and the Victorian era, the Freedom was the right to trade, enabling members of a Guild or Livery to carry out their trade or craft in the Square Mile. A fee or fine would be charged and in return the Livery Companies would ensure that the goods and services provided would be of the highest possible standards. In 1835, the Freedom was widened to incorporate not just members of Livery Companies but also people living or working in the City or those with a strong London connection." (Freedom of the City of London)
To apprentice as a Merchant Tailor, or as they were re-named 'Merchant Taylor' would have been a seven year commitment. The apprentice would have been under the tutelage of a man who was already a Merchant Taylor. We don't know his name but for young George who was an apprentice in 1569, it was probably his father. The typical age to become an apprentice was fourteen. At the end of this term, he became a 'freeman', able to practice his craft and also to own property, in his case, in London.
"The Master of the Gild (under the name of Alderman), was for the time being omnipotent; members of the Gild could not leave London without his permission; the apprentices were strictly ruled; they were bound at the age of 14, and having served their seven years, and being of age and good name, they were then sworn and admitted as Freemen. If a man wanted to follow any Craft in the City, or to enjoy any of the benefits of Citizenship, he must belong to a Gild." (Wikisource)
The armour worn by knights in battle was comprised of two main parts: the metal suit and the linen garment worn inside it, known as a gambeson or doublet, for protection, improved mobility and comfort. They were very warm inside and better suited to battle in cold conditions. The metal suit was very heavy and ungainly so a type of gambeson was often worn as a defensive garment on its own. Ceremonial and replica medieval garments are sold to this day.
"This linen armour or linen and fabric covering for armour was a distinct craft in itself, and was practised by the linen armourers, who had the sole right to cover armour or to make such defences ... That they were also tailors we know from their subsequent incorporation with the Merchant Taylors and also from the Wardrobe Accounts of Edward I, in which Robinet, the King’s tailor, is mentioned as making robes and armours and banners." (source, #93)
Along with the maker of the chain mail, each of these would have been a separate craft but would have required close consultation between them to suit out a knight or soldier ready for battle.
The Fraternity of Taylors and Linen Armourers of St. John the Baptist was the precursor of the Merchant Taylors’ Company. (U Vic, Map of Early Modern London)
In the "The 1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, originally by Francis Grose", Linen Armourers were simply defined as 'Taylors'. (source) But they were much more than that as emphasised the 'high esteem' to which they were held when "Edward III bestowed Royal patronage by joining the Linen Armourers". (See note) "Linen Armourers who originally belonged to the Guild made the padded tunics known as gambesons worn under armour." (Wikipedia)
In 1371, "“The good men of the trade” of Tailors and Linen Armourers submitted an Ordinance for the approval of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen to enable them to order and regulate their craft." and in 1480, they received their "First Grant of Arms - to the Fraternity of Tailors and Linen Armourers by Clarenceux King of Arms." (British History Online)
"As to employment of Linen Armourers, Mr. John Hewitt (the author of "Antient Armour") wrote to me on 8th October 1874, thus, "My notion is that all which did not fall within the Smith's province came to the Linen Armourers, and there was always lots of stitching to be done."" (Memorials of the Fraternity: I, The Company (British History Online), fn 5)
In the 14th century, The Company of Merchant Taylors was known originally as the Company of Tailors and Linen-Armourers having received its first royal charter in 1327, linen armour being the padded clothes worn beneath metal armour. (The Company of Merchant Taylors, LinkedIn) In fact, the Merchant Taylors "were until 6 January 1503 the Tailors and Linen Armourers." (source)
As mentioned above, George Gynn was a member of the 'Bachelors Company' in 1568 or 1569.
The 'Bachelors Company' existed from the mid 16th to the mid 17th centuries and was comprised of sixteen members at any given time.
"The [Merchant-Taylors] Company appears always to have had a large membership, and the membership records are extensive. There was also within the Company from at least the early 15th century until the late 17th century a separate, but dependent organisation for the Company's freemen (also known as 'yeomen') who had not achieved livery status. This was known from 1488 as the 'Bachelors Company'. For a surviving minute and memorandum book of the 'Bachelors Company' see Ms 34020. Membership of the 'Bachelors Company' was automatic for freemen of the main Company, so there were never any separate membership records." (London Metropolitan Archives)
Nigel Sleigh-Johnson states:
"By the time Elizabeth ascended the throne, the yeomanry body of the Merchant Taylors' Company had acquired effective responsibility for the vast majority of the Company's membership. To most contemporary and modern observers, the dazzling wealth, magnificent ceremonies and eminent members — entitled to wear the prestigious livery gown of the Company, and generally drawn from the mercantile and civic élite — were the most intriguing aspects of the history of the Merchant Taylors' Company. To the poor freemen below the livery these matters were of less significance." (The Merchant Taylors' Company of London under Elizabeth I: Tailors' Guild or Company of Merchants?, 2013, Abstract
"Probably the most neglected aspect of the history of the guilds and companies of early modern London is the ubiquitous subordinate organisation known as the yeomanry
or bachelors company". (pg 235) ... and ... "The yeomanry organisation between 1580 and 1645 undertook a range of duties comparable to any of the smaller City guilds, with the exception of the enrolment of apprentices and freemen. ... [of which] 'The major role of the 'Bachelors Company' with respect to regulation of the London tailoring trade and the associated power to levy fines and confiscate garments". (pg 265) (The Merchant Taylors Company, PhD Thesis by Nigel Sleigh-Johnson, 1989)
Our man (or men), so named 'George Gynne', had been present in London during the better part of the 16th century. But, we don't know the name of elder George's father or mother but we do know he was a Merchant Taylor. He had several sons but the line died out, as far as we know. His son and namesake, it appears, also became a citizen and Merchant Taylor.
By this time, clothing for the upper class had moved beyond the functional to the fashionable. Dressing for success had become considerably more elaborate. It was hard work, required a high level of skill and quite a lot of knowledge. It was also the ticket to wealth. (Note 14)
Considering the general nature of the events show above, 'George Gynne' was descended from a family that had already established a certain amount of wealth and status. Achieving recognition as a merchant tailor establishes that they were purveyors of fine quality garments. It was no small feat and would have connected them both socially and politically. They weren't landed gentry but, like Thomas Cromwell, they were indeed ambitious. A 'George Gynn' along with a 'William Gynn' had owned property in 'Colman Street' and what are likely two of his sons, the same 'William' and a 'George' have been shown present in Lombard Street in 1588 or 1589. (See Map) They are brothers, one haberdasher and one tailor. This may have been the location of their shop and the fashionable of the day certainly would have noticed.
Wilfrid, Haberdasher, likely another brother (and others), had given £20 in 1595 or 1596 "to poor Scholars of the two Universities, within this time these summes." (note 15) Again, as noted above, this represented a lot of money in 1595.
They also owned property in Hertfordshire but, alas, no pedigree. The award of the Coat of Arms may have been an attempt to elevate themselves to this class.
Here, it is worth reiterating that 'Thomas Sanford came from Stanstead Mountfithet in Essex (which I also know) but in the 1590s he was pursuing his trade as a glover in Much Hadham' (Ginn Hertfordshire Blog by Michael Taylor)
"Much Hadham was a local center for the trade in fine skins, and Thomas Sanford, [the father of Damaris], was a glover. His product was sold both within and without the town. He may well have sent gloves to London since there were various dealings with London from Much Hadham, owing to the manor being the property of the Bishop of London, who maintained a palace in the town and came here frequently with a large retinue of servants, accompanied and followed by members of the gentry. These latter found the vale, in which the village lies, most sweet and sylvan, as it still is. A bishop of London then was well-nigh as powerful as a duke. The long village street was oft the path for the feet and equipages of some of the high and mighty. " (Note 16)
With that in mind, the Sanfords being glove merchants in Much Hadham and likely that Thomas Gynn (the one thought to be betrothed to Damaris) was related to George Gynn. It follows that Sanford gloves, an obvious complement to the fashion ensemble, probably made their way into his shop or to his clientele.
Notes:
Note 1: 1541 London Subsidy roll: Tower Ward; George Gyn (£20) (10 shillings); Pages 102-108; https://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-record-soc/vol29/pp102-108
Note 2:
https://archive.org/details/aregisterschola01schogoog/page/n21/mode/2up?q=gyn and https://archive.org/details/aregisterschola01schogoog/page/n23/mode/2up?q=gyn
Note 3: https://archive.org/details/fragmentagenealo13cris_0/page/n15/mode/2up
Note 4: Allegations for Marriage Licences Issued by the Bishop of London ..., Volume 25 by Joseph Lemuel Chester, Church of England. Diocese of London, pg 183;
https://books.google.ca/books?id=xTIEAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA183
(There is a Roger Cotton (b. 1557, d. 1602, Draper and poet), mentioned in Stow's survey of London, Vintry Ward but while Vintry Ward is close to Lombard Street, this is not the same man.)
Note 5: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/inquis-post-mortem/abstract/no3/pp171-219#h3-0008
Note 6: https://www.british-history.ac.uk/inquis-post-mortem/abstract/no3/xv-xvii
Note 7: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ssd?id=mdp.39015005687200;seq=409; https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ssd?id=mdp.39015005687200;seq=502
Note 8: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ssd?id=mdp.39015005687218;seq=89; https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ssd?id=mdp.39015005687218;seq=415
Note 9: https://archive.org/stream/ldpd_13051423_000/ldpd_13051423_000_djvu.txt, pg 116
Note 10: Currency converter: 1270–2017; In 1641, £40 was equal to 571 days wages for a skilled tradesman which in today's economy would be close to £70k. At the time, it would have bought 50 stone, or 700lb of wool.
Note 11: https://archive.org/details/abstractsofinqui2627grea/page/n219/mode/2up, pg 206
Note 12: . Chan. Inq.,
p. m., 18 Eliz., part 2, No. 10; See: WSDP WEBB BULLETIN Vol 2 Issue 2.pdf, pg 15; Abstracts of Inquisitiones Post Mortem Relating to the City of London, Volume 2 By Great Britain. Court of Chancery, pg 206
Note 13: https://archive.org/details/AllegationsForMarriageLicencesIssuedByTheBishopOfLondonV.25, pg 174: Note: Earlier reference from 3 July 1588 states: Barnett, Middlesex. (Ibid, pg 171)
Note 14: See for example, High Medieval Clothing or Tudor fashion. How did English ladies and gentlemen dress in the 15-16th century?
Note 15:
Synopsis Papismi, author Andrew Willett, 1613; https://books.google.ca/books?id=tLQIErTPdqwC&pg=PA1242
Note 16: https://archive.org/details/thomassanfordemi01sanf/page/28/mode/2up, pg 29
The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors is one of the 110 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, 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 is the principal sponsor and organiser of the prestigious biannual "Golden Shears" competition for aspiring young tailors.
It owns several schools and is associated with other learning institutions. It also is a major provider of charitable support and owns several almshouses.
"John Stow, Freeman Merchant Taylor and early chronicler of London history claimed that the Fraternity received a royal charter from Edward I as early as 1300. While records from the era are lost to verify this, it could suggest an organised presence of the Fraternity at an even earlier juncture than extant records show."
"The spelling of tailor as taylor reflects the anglicising of older terms. It derives from the French tailleur, pronounced tie-yer. Through the Middle Ages, perhaps due to the lack of standardised literacy, words traditionally including an ‘i’ adapted to include ‘y’. In the nineteenth century, as a result of the industrial revolution and a rise in literacy, spellings often reverted to their original forms!"
Merchant Taylors' Boys' School, Crosby is a British independent school for day pupils, located in Great Crosby on Merseyside. The Merchant Taylors own and sponsor numerous schools, almshouses and other charities.
Records of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, 1300? - 2002. These records are stored at the Guildhall Library site.
Who was John Stow? In a nutshell, he was a Merchant Taylor and working tailor during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, with an interest in history. Self-taught, he assembled a magnificent collection of historical manuscripts and also published widely himself. His Chronicles and Annals of English history lie behind much of our understanding of the 15th and 16th centuries; his Survey of London, first published in 1598, was the first detailed study and description of an English city.
"This Society, anciently denominated Tailors and Linen Armourers, was incorporated by Letters Patent of the 5th of Edward IV., anno 1466. But many of the members of the company being great merchants, and Henry Vllth a member thereof, he, for his greater honour, by letters patent of the 18th of his reign, anno 1503, re-incorporated the same, by the name of the Master and Wardens of the Merchant-Tailors of the Fraternity of St. John the Baptist, in the City of London." (pg 383)
Scope and Content: Records of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, 1300? - 2002. Note that many loose papers, relating to every aspect of the Company's business, and dating from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, were gathered together, sorted and placed in 277 boxes and a further ca.430 bundles by the Company in ca.1925-30.
Arrangement: As the Company's archive is large and complex, and to assist the user, the catalogue has been arranged in sections each with an archival classification code as follows:
The Merchant Taylors’ Company was one of the twelve great companies of London. Since 1484, the Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have alternated precedence annually; the Merchant Taylors are now sixth in precedence in odd years and seventh in even years, changing precedence at Easter. The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors is still active and maintains a website that includes a history of the company and a list of historical milestones.
This thesis examines the roles played by craft organisations or 'guilds' in medieval urban society through a case study of the tailors of London in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Using the records of the City and of the guilds themselves, including the important early records of the Tailors, this study seeks to answer important questions about the nature of these organisations and the impact which they had upon urban society.
"In late-medieval London, and in many provincial towns and cities, the need for the supervision and organization of the crafts or 'misteries' (from the Latin ministerium and the French mestier, meaning 'art' or 'calling') was often met by the utilisation of pre-existing principles of association among a small but influential elite among the practitioners of a particular craft. of a particular craft. The enforcement of ordinances, for instance, was of particular importance for craft fraternities and so wardens were given extra duties, such as the 'search' for sub-standard workmanship, whilst maintaining their ceremonial duties as collectors of alms." (pg 2-3)
1327 Letters Patent of Edward III - Royal acceptance of the Guild by its first Charter.
1371 “The good men of the trade” of Tailors and Linen Armourers submitted an Ordinance for the approval of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen to enable them to order and regulate their craft.
The trade guilds controlled the manufacture and selling of goods and food within the City of London and also cared for sick members and helped those who were in financial trouble.
Sir Richard (Dick) Whittington (c.1354 - 1423), a Mercer and the best known name in the history of the City of London, left some £6,000 - the equivalent of many millions today - in trust for almshouses. The trust still exists and has a substantial income which provides comfort and dignity for elderly people and others in need.
The Company started as an association of artisans, ie working tailors, known as the Fraternity of St John the Baptist. This was both for trade regulation and also for a good funeral and for prayers for one’s soul in Purgatory after death. All these aspects were equally important before the Reformation. The Company’s first royal charter was in 1327, and the Company was incorporated by a further royal charter in 1408. The Company also possessed a chapel in St Paul’s Cathedral and, from 1413, almshouses in Threadneedle Street for its aged members.
At this time the Company was known as the Company of Tailors and Linen-Armourers, linen armour being the padded clothes worn beneath metal armour.
1481 First Grant of Arms - to the Fraternity of Tailors and Linen Armourers by Clarenceux King of Arms.
1503 Letters Patent of Henry VII - the Charter which first recognised the Guild under the name of Merchant Taylors.
From humble beginnings, the Company very gradually improved its status. It acquired considerable wealth through gifts and benefactions. Many important people were admitted to the Fraternity, such as Henry V, the victor of Agincourt. Although many members remained working tailors, by the late 15th century the senior membership contained an increasing number of wealthy merchants, trading within England and also overseas. The first Mayor to be chosen from the Company was Sir John Percyvale, Master of the Company in 1489 and Mayor in 1508. There have been many others since.
Its seat is the Merchant Taylors' Hall between Threadneedle Street and Cornhill, 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.
There are 110 livery companies, comprising 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.
The companies were originally formed, starting in 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.
From the start, the companies cared for their members in sickness and old age. Today, they support both their members, and wider charitable aims and activities, including those supporting education and training.
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.
Livery Companies in 'the City' currently number 110. They are comprised of London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the 'Worshipful Company of...' followed by their respective craft, trade or profession.
Whilst livery companies today are for the most part involved in charitable work (they no longer control prices or quality) many ... have members involved in the trade.