Worshipful Company of Mercers

Worshipful Company of Mercers. The City of London is home to the Worshipful Company of Mercers, one of the most prestigious and oldest livery companies in the United Kingdom, with roots dating back to Medieval England. The company has strong ties to St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and University of Oxford, and has been associated with notable figures such as Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Winston Churchill. The company's history is intertwined with that of the Hanseatic League, Merchant Navy, and the British East India Company.

● History

The Worshipful Company of Mercers has a rich history, with records showing that it was granted a Royal Charter by King Richard II in 1394, making it one of the oldest livery companies in London. The company's early members were mercers, who dealt in luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, and wool, and were associated with the Guildhall, London Stock Exchange, and the Bank of England. Over the centuries, the company has been involved in various notable events, including the English Civil War, the Great Fire of London, and the Industrial Revolution, and has been linked to prominent individuals such as Isaac Newton, Samuel Johnson, and Jane Austen. The company has also been connected to esteemed institutions like University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, and the Royal Society.

● Organisation

The Worshipful Company of Mercers is governed by a Court of Assistants, which is composed of senior members of the company, including the Master, Wardens, and other officials, who are responsible for overseeing the company's activities and charitable endeavors. The company is also divided into various committees, which focus on areas such as education, charity, and social events, and has ties to organizations like the Lord Mayor of London, the City of London Corporation, and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The company's members come from a range of backgrounds, including finance, law, medicine, and politics, and include notable individuals such as Boris Johnson, Theresa May, and David Cameron. The company has connections to other livery companies, such as the Worshipful Company of Grocers, the Worshipful Company of Drapers, and the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths.

● Activities

The Worshipful Company of Mercers is involved in a range of activities, including charitable giving, educational initiatives, and social events, which are often held at the company's Livery Hall or other prestigious venues like Buckingham Palace, The Ritz London, and Savoy Hotel. The company supports various causes, such as the NSPCC, the British Red Cross, and the RNLI, and has ties to organizations like the Prince's Trust, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and the Outward Bound Trust. The company also hosts events, such as the Lord Mayor's Show, the City of London Festival, and the Wimbledon Championships, and has connections to notable figures like Stephen Hawking, David Attenborough, and J.K. Rowling.

● Livery Hall

The Worshipful Company of Mercers' Livery Hall is located in Ironmonger Lane, London, and is a stunning example of Victorian architecture, with intricate details and ornate decorations, similar to those found in St. Pancras railway station and the Royal Albert Hall. The hall is used for various events, including dining, meetings, and ceremonies, and has hosted notable guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, and Tony Blair. The hall is also home to the company's extensive art collection, which includes works by J.M.W. Turner, John Constable, and Joshua Reynolds, and has ties to institutions like the National Gallery, the Tate Britain, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

● Charity

The Worshipful Company of Mercers has a long history of charitable giving, with a focus on supporting education, healthcare, and community development initiatives, often in partnership with organizations like the BBC Children in Need, the Disasters Emergency Committee, and the Comic Relief. The company's charity committee is responsible for overseeing the company's charitable activities, which include grant-making, volunteering, and fundraising, and has connections to notable charities like the Salvation Army, the RNIB, and the Macmillan Cancer Support. The company has also established its own charitable trust, which provides support for various causes, including youth development, social welfare, and arts education, and has ties to institutions like the University of London, the Open University, and the Arts Council England.