Worshipful Company of Masons

The company received its charter of incorporation in 1677, but had been in existence from at least the 14th century, as the first regulations were put forward in 1356 and Arms granted in 1472. There are, however, very few surviving records of the company before the Great Fire, although wardens' accounts survive from 1620. The company's hall, in Masons' Avenue off Basinghall Street, was leased from 1463 and was purchased by the company in 1563. The hall was destroyed in the Great Fire, and subsequently rebuilt. It was sold by the company in 1865. The modern company includes architects and members of the construction industry. Prizes are given to stonemason apprentices.