The Merchant Taylors’ Company has occupied the same site on Threadneedle Street in the City of London since at least 1347, the only ancient Livery Company to remain on its original site. Despite the Great Fire of London and the Blitz which caused a lot of damage, it still has its original medieval stone walls and has been sympathetically rebuilt. The interiors are splendid and there are many rooms to visit, as well as a large collection of artefacts to see.
Now one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London, the Merchant Taylors' Company began as an association of working tailors and received its first royal charter in 1327. Members of the 180+ crafts in London at the time realised that they were stronger collectively than individually and thus formed themselves into Companies. Medieval civic life then was based on religion and business, which the Companies embodied.
As a collective, members could ensure high craft standards and fair prices throughout the City; they could provide care and charity for their poorer, elderly or sick members and, importantly in pre-Reformation times, prayers for one's soul after death. By 1413 the Company was able to build seven almshouses on a site near the Hall, the earliest example of such social housing in London.
When the Company received a new royal charter in 1503 it was renamed The Merchant Taylors. The addition of 'merchant' recognised the growing number of national and international traders within the Company. This in turn reflected the Company's rapid increase in power, prestige and wealth.
The Great Hall pre-dates the Great Fire of London and has been used for over 700 years of fine dining, balls and large receptions. The Great Kitchen and Small Kitchen are rare examples of medieval kitchens still in active use today. There are also the Cloisters, the Court Room, the Crypt, the Library, the Drawing Room, the Grand Staircase, etc., and the silver collection, old manuscripts and paintings.
Tea/coffee will be served on arrival. The tour will last for an hour.
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For any queries, please contact event organiser Mimi Rolbant at british1@kcwc.org.uk
