Trade and craft associations have flourished all over Europe for many centuries, but the City of London companies, now collectively known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and diversity. 

The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish today as living institutions. Their survival has been achieved by doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and professions. Today there are 108 livery companies in the City of London.

An order of precedence was established in 1515 according to company wealth. To settle a dispute the Skinners and Merchant Taylors take positions six and seven on alternate years. Some companies such as the Goldsmiths, Fishmongers, Saddlers and Gunmakers are still active in their trade. Others such as the Horners and Fan Makers have changed to modern equivalents (plastics & air-conditioning) whilst many have lost their trade. Loriners and Cordwainers are as unfamiliar names now as information technologists or air pilots would have been in Medieval times. The majority of the newer companies cover specialist professions to which members belong. Most companies support associated industries with prizes, fellowships, scholarships etc. Some have founded or support schools and colleges and maintain almshouses or provide pensions. In addition to their own almshouses and schools, Livery Companies were often appointed to administer establishments set up by individuals. Their funds originate from purchases of land and properties or bequests from members. Look for company badges on city buildings which denote ownership.

It is not certain whether in the past the Pattenmakers Company had its own Livery Hall. Over the centuries many Livery Halls have disappeared. Some were sold when money was short, some closed when the original companies were disbanded or absorbed into others and some have been destroyed - many in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Without our own Hall, we have had the opportunity to make use of the many very fine Halls of our fellow Livery Companies within the City of London.

See www.cityoflondon.gov.uk for more details.
See www.london-footprints.co.uk for contact information on Livery Companies and Halls