Livery Companies

The first livery companies emerged in the 12th century as a development of the medieval guilds, several decades before the signing of Magna Carta in 1215. The Sheriffs of the City have an even longer history, and the first Lord Mayor took office in 1189 - both pre-dating the formation of Parliament and the first Prime Minister by several centuries.

By early 2025, there were 113 Livery Companies who had been approved by the Court of Aldermen and the Privy Council, and who had subsequently received Letters Patent from the sovereign confirming their Royal Charter. Several more Guilds currently aspire to livery status, so this number is likely to increase in the near future.

The City of London Guide

The City of London Public Relations Office produces a very helpful guide that covers short descriptions of all the City Livery Companies, their coats of arms, contact details, precedence numbers and a map of livery halls. The booklet also covers livery history, the modern companies, links to schools and the City of London. This gives an overview of the 108 Livery Companies that had been approved when the guide was updated in 2011.

The City Unlocked: from Wool to Digital

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The most recent history and description of Livery Companies was published in 2025 and provides key information about all 113 Livery Companies approved at that date. Co-authored by a Past Master Stationer and a distinguished historian, it has fascinating details of the origins and current features of all Livery Companies. It gives a more detailed description of the history and current activities of each Company.