Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Unknown.
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The City of London Livery Companies originated in medieval guilds, organised around specific trades, which controlled prices and working conditions and provided welfare for members fallen on hard times. Guilds became known as livery companies as they wore unique uniforms, or liveries. Entry to a company was by three methods: patrimony (if one's father was a liveryman), apprenticeship or redemption (purchasing entry). All liverymen gained the Freedom of the City of London.