Worshipful Company of Skinners

Worshipful Company of Skinners
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Name	Worshipful Company of Skinners
Formation	c. 1327
Type	Livery company
Headquarters	Skinners' Hall, London
Location	City of London
Motto	"Sell not thyself"

Worshipful Company of Skinners is one of the ancient livery companies of the City of London, tracing origins to medieval Guild of Skinners crafts in the 14th century and playing roles in civic, charitable, and mercantile life alongside institutions such as the City of London Corporation, the Guildhall, and other livery companies like the Worshipful Company of Mercers and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. The company holds precedence among the Great Twelve Livery Companies and maintains links with civic offices including the Lord Mayor of London, the Sheriffs of the City of London, and the Court of Aldermen.

History

The company emerged from medieval trade regulation similar to the Hanseatic League and the Guildhall traditions, with early royal charters comparable to grants received by the Worshipful Company of Drapers and the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers. Incorporated formally by royal charter in the reign of Edward VI and earlier recognized under monarchs such as Edward III and Henry VIII, it navigated periods including the Black Death, the Great Fire of London, and the economic shifts of the Industrial Revolution. Its historical role intersected with figures and institutions like the British East India Company, the Leadenhall Market, the London Gazette, and aldermen who served in the Westminster Parliament. The company’s archives record interactions with families and individuals such as the Vintners and merchants recorded alongside episodes like the Peasants' Revolt and civic responses during the English Civil War.

Functions and Activities

Historically responsible for standards in fur, skins, and pelts akin to trade regulation by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, the company evolved to support modern retail, manufacturing, and international trade networks including ties with markets such as Newgate Market and ports like London Docklands and Tilbury Docks. Today activities include charitable distributions, support for apprenticeships comparable to programs in the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, hosting civic functions at venues used by the City of London Police and the Corporation of London, and engaging with cultural institutions such as the British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Royal Opera House.

Governance and Membership

Governance follows livery company precedent with officers including a Master, Wardens, and a Court of Assistants, paralleling structures in the Worshipful Company of Butchers and the Worshipful Company of Cookes. Membership categories include liverymen, freemen, and honorary freemen, drawing citizens with ties to the City of London, the United Kingdom, and Commonwealth realms including links to individuals who have served as Lord Mayor of London or received honours such as the Order of the British Empire and the Order of St Michael and St George. The company interacts with municipal institutions like the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry and professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Charitable Work and Education

Charitable trusts administered by the company support education, welfare, and skills training resembling philanthropic efforts by the Sir John Cass Foundation and the City of London Corporation's charity. Beneficiaries include schools and academies with historical connections to livery charitable patronage such as Skinners' Academy, independents akin to Eton College in governance models, and vocational training linked to institutions like the City and Guilds of London Institute. Grants and bursaries support students pursuing studies at universities including University of London, King's College London, and Imperial College London, and collaborate with organizations such as the Prince's Trust and the National Trust on conservation and youth programs.

Livery Hall and Properties

The company’s livery hall, Skinners' Hall, has occupied several sites in the City of London with reconstructions after events like the Great Fire of London and damage sustained in the Second World War during the Blitz. Property holdings and investments extend to estates and urban properties managed in portfolios similar to those of the Goldsmiths' Company and the Mercers' Company, with stewardship involving legal frameworks including the Charities Act and engagement with the Land Registry. The hall hosts banquets, civic ceremonies, and exhibitions attended by representatives from institutions such as St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London, and the Royal Society.

Traditions, Ceremonies, and Regalia

Ceremonial life preserves medieval ritual comparable to pageantry in the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and the Worshipful Company of Vintners, including annual dinners, installation of the Master, and livery processions that pass landmarks like the Tower Bridge and the Guildhall. Regalia includes distinctive liveries, robes, and seals with heraldic imagery linked to officers and ancient patents held alongside artifacts cared for by curators from museums such as the Museum of London and the British Library. The company participates in civic events including the Lord Mayor's Show, state commemorations at Westminster Abbey, and charitable appeals coordinated with entities like the Royal British Legion.

Category:Livery companies of the City of London