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Livery companies
See project page Livery Companies in the City of London and England
A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London, England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft, trade or profession. There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City (i.e. the financial district and historic heart of the capital), not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Common Council of the City Corporation, London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers.
Livery companies were originally formed, starting in the 12th century, to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified, and that the goods they produced were of reputable quality, the two-fold aim being to protect the public and to protect members from charlatans. After the Middle Ages, they continued to be established until the 17th century, when political upheaval in England, the growth of London outwards from the City rendered many such livery companies, which only controlled trade within the Square Mile, less competitive. The City adapted with Britain's role in the expansion of global trade by establishing exchanges which later became guardians of business conduct.
From the 1870s however, there was a revival, with livery companies extending their original educational purpose to technical education, supporting new industries and providing the necessary training, most notably through the City and Guilds of London Institute.
The livery companies have always been a constituent part of the governance of the City of London. The senior members of the livery companies, i.e. liverymen, elect the City's Sheriffs, Bridge Masters, Ale Conners, Auditors, members of the City Livery Committee, and approve the aldermanic candidates for election to the office of Lord Mayor of London
Entry to a livery company may be by one of four routes:
- By invitation to become an Honorary Freeman/Liveryman/Assistant. This is rare, and is considered a great honour.
- By apprenticeship or servitude. This is nowadays less common. In earlier days, someone wishing to enter a trade would bind himself as apprentice to a member of his chosen trade. As such, he was required to do as he was instructed, and in return for strict adherence to the master's rules the apprentice learned his trade, while his master was required to provide such training that, at the end of the apprenticeship (usually seven years) the apprentice would be sufficiently knowledgeable to become a member – and a Freeman of the City of London – free of the obligations of apprenticeship.
- By patrimony. Generally, a member's son/grandson (or now also a daughter/granddaughter) who was born after the parent became a member of a company are entitled to become a member by patrimony.
- By redemption. Redemption is the path to the freedom for all others who do not qualify for apprenticeship, patrimony or by invitation and requires the payment of a fine (fee) as well as an interview or other admission procedure.
Regardless of method of entry, membership carries the same duties, responsibilities and privileges. Membership of a livery company may combine with the freedom of the City of London, now an essential formality, though in the past the Freedom carried benefits, such as being able to drive a flock of sheep across London Bridge at no charge.
Haberdashers
The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies, is an ancient merchant guild of London, England associated with the silk and velvet trades.
- John Stone (abt.1530-1609) 11th great great grandfather
- John Stone was made a Feeman of the Company of Haberdashers on 15th January 1556. To get to this Freedom he had been apprenticed for seven years to his master, George James.
- Some of his grandchildren were apprenticed and made freemen
- John Mainwaring (1645-bef.1689) my 8th great granduncle
- John Manwaring, son of Edward Mainwaring of Whitmore, Staffordshire, was an apprentice in 1663 in London, England to Samuell of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers.[3]
- John Mainwareing was admitted as a freeman in 1672 to the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers in London. His master was Samuell Wickins
- He was a woollen draper and died about 1688. His daughter Ann Mainwaring (1674-) was apprenticed as an Ironmonger.
- Thomas Abney not sure if or how related, possibly son of Thomas the Fishmonger - no profile yet
- Thomas Abney, son of Thomas, gentleman of Newton, Burgeland, Leicestershire, was apprenticed in 1676 to Robert Awyford, Worshipful Company of Haberdashers.[1]
- Arthur Mainwaring - not sure how related
- Arthure Mainwaring was an apprentice of Richard Balkeway in 1596 when he became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers.[2]
Fishmongers
- Thomas Abney (abt.1640-1721) my 1st cousin 10 * removed
- Thomas Abney, son of James, of Willesley, Derbyshire, was apprenticed to William Thorogood, citizen & fishmonger of London, 1 February 1657/8.
- In 1667 Thomas Abney, fishmonger and member of the Fishmonger's Livery Company, was a master of the apprentice Thomas Mainwaring, son of Edward, Whitmore, Staffordshire, esquireThomas Mainwaring was first cousin to Thomas Abney.
- Thomas Abney took up the Freedom of the Company in 1668.
- In 1694 he was one of the original Directors of the Bank of England and was elected a Sheriff of London.
- He was elected Lord Mayor of London in 1700 and was knighted by William III.
- He became Lord of the Manor of Stoke Newington in the late 1600s.
- From Abney: Abney of Willesley page 1819 (book), page 46-47 (digital) and transcribed at James Abney (bef.1631-bef.1693)
- Sir Thomas Abney, born January 1639-40 at Willesley; went to London and engaged in business, becoming one of the founders of the Bank of London; Nonconformist dissenter; Lord Mayor of London in 1690 and assisted in the establishment of the Protestant Succession to the throne of England; died Feb. 6, 1721; married first Elizabeth Earyl but no issue; married second to Mary, sister and co-hair of Thomas Gunston, Esq. of Stoke Newington and had issue.
- Thomas Mainwaring (1647-1687) my 8th great granduncle
- Thomas Mainwaring, son of Edward, Whitmore, Staffordshire, esquire, was apprenticed to Thomas Abney, 24 Jan 1666/7, Fishmongers' Company. Thomas Mainwaring and Thomas Abney were first cousins
Ironmongers
The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers is one of the Great Twelve livery companies of the City of London, incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1463.
- George Mainwaring (1644-1691) my 8th great granduncle
- George Manwayring, son of Edward, Whitmore, Staffordshire, esquire, was apprenticed to Edward Honnywood, 2 Jul 1661, Ironmongers' Company. GeorgeManwareing, who had been apprentice to Edward Honywood, became a freeman of the Ironmongers' Company in 1668.
- On 20 Jan 1669/70 George Mainwaring, Ironmongers' Company, was a master of Edward Stephens, son of Edward, Cherington, Gloucestershire, esquire.[3]
- Ann Mainwaring (1674-) my 1st cousin 9*removed
- Ann Mainwairing, daughter of John, citizen and haberdasher (deceased), was apprenticed to John Foster, 1 Dec 1689, Ironmongers' Company.
- Philip Champion Toker (1802-1882) my 1st cousin 5*removed
- On 22 July 1824 Philip Champion Tokerbecame a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers having been admitted by service to his master George Silk.[4]
Grocers
- John Abney (abt.1615-) currently unconnected but reasonably sure linked to Abney family
- George Abney, son of George, Willesley, Derbyshire, esquire, was apprenticed to Thomas Hodges 5 Dec 1632 , Grocers' Company
Blacksmiths
- Joseph Abney (abt.1645-) do not know how or if he is related
- Joseph Abney was apprenticed to Thomas Trentam Jan 1661/2, Blacksmiths' Company
Records of London's Livery Companies Online. Apprentices and Freemen 1400-1900.
Records of London's Livery Companies Online Apprentices and Freemen 1400-1900 https://www.londonroll.org/search
Covers the followng companies as at January 2024: Bowyers', Clothworkers', Drapers', Founders', Girdlers', Goldsmiths', Mercers', Musicians', Salters', Stationers', Tallow Chandlers'
Search for Mainwaring:
| Date | "Surname, Forename (Gender) | !Company Archive | Event | Role(s) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1612 | Mainwaringe, Robtus (Male) | Clothworkers' | Freedom | New freeman | Co Clothworker |
| 1651 | Mainwaring, Arthure (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Goldsmith |
| 1656 | Mainwaring, Arthure (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Goldsmith |
| 1656 | Mainwaring, Thomas (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | New apprentice | |
| 1656 | Mainwaring, Arthure (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Father of apprentice | Citizen and , Co Goldsmith |
| 1663 | Mainwaring, Anthoney (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Goldsmith |
| 1677 | Mainwaring, Thomas (Male) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Goldsmith |
| 1694 | Mainwaring, Sarah (Female) | Goldsmiths' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Goldsmith |
| 1711 | Mainwaring, John | Clothworkers' | Apprenticeship | Master | Co Clothworker |
| 1732 | Mainwaring, Samel. (Male) | Clothworkers' | Freedom | New freeman | Co Clothworker |
| 1732 | Mainwaring, Jno. (Male) | Clothworkers' | Freedom | Father of freeman | Co Clothworker |
| 1732 | Mainwaring, Richd. (Male) | Clothworkers' | Freedom | Witness | Citizen and Clother. |
Clothworkers
- John Mainwaring, son of John - not sure how related
In 1687 John Mainwaring, son of John was an apprentice to Thomas???, clothworker.[5]
London, England, Freedom of the City Admission Papers, 1681-1930
From ancestry.com
| Name | Admission Date | Master | Father | Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthur Mainwaring | 3 Oct 1693 | Caleb Carrick | John Mainwaring | Silk-thrower |
| John Mainwaring | 1687 | Thomas Paul ??? | John Mainwaring | Clothworker |
| Charles Manwaring | 8 May 1694-1695 | John Gerton ?? | Alexander | Girdlers?? |
| Thomas Manwaring | 1687; 1694-1695 | ??? | Andrew Manwaring | Clockmakers |
| William Whitchurch Manwaring | 12 Jun 1788 | John Prussia Dupree | Jacob Manwaring of the town of Baltimore in America, merchant | Coach maker and coach harness maker |
| John Manwaring | Jun 1722 | John Ball | John Manwaring, gunmaker of London | Joiner |
| Cavendish Turrel Manwaring | 7 Nov 1768 | Samuel White | Cavendish Turrel Manwaring, deceased late of ?? Kent, gentleman | Goldsmith |
| Philemon Manwaring | 26 Feb 1759 | John Clements | Philomen Manwaring, deceased, shoemaker of London | Pewterer |
| Peter Manwaring | 22 1689-1690 | Thomas Howall | Charles Manwaring, deceased, of Manchester [Mancetter], Warwickshire | ??? |
| Richard Mainwering | 2 Dec 1700 | Jon Mainwering, brother of Richard | John Mainwering of Herefordshire | Clothworker |
| Henry Manwaring | 6 Sep 1699 | Samuell Benes | Jno Manwaring of Herefordshire | Merchant-Taylor |
| Andrew Manwaring | 25 Apr 1716 | Samuell Aislding | Adam Manwaring of the parish of St Giles, Cripplegate | Gl? Gazier or glover or ?? |
| Joseph Manwaring | 1747-1752 | Benjamin Boston | Thomas Mainwaring | Feltmaker |
Other
Solomon Mainwaring, son of Edward, St Peter le Poer, London, curate
- On 4 July 1670 Solomon Mainwaring, son of Edward, St Peter le Poer, London, curate was apprenticed to William Derry, Needlemaker's Company. [8 Nov 1675 turned over to Noah Pillcorne], [6]
Sources
- ↑
Apprenticeship:
"City Of London, Haberdashers, Apprentices And Freemen 1526-1933"
FindMyPast Image - FindMyPast Transcription (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
First name(s): Thomas; Last name: Abney; Year: 1676; Year (as transcribed): 1676; Role: Apprentice; Freeman's first name: Thomas; Freeman's last name: Abney; Parent's first name(s): Thomas; Parent's last name: Abney; Parent's address: Newton, Burgeland, Leic; Parent's occupation: Gent; Master's first name: Robert; Master's last name: Awyford; Master's address: London; London Metropolitan Archives reference: CLC/L/HA/C/011/MS15860/007; Folio / Page number: 31; Catalogue description: Worshipful Company of Haberdashers - Register of apprentice bindings 1675-1708. - ↑
Apprenticeship:
"City Of London, Haberdashers, Apprentices And Freemen 1526-1933"
FindMyPast Image - FindMyPast Transcription (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
First name(s): Arthure; Last name: Mainwaring; Year: 1596; Year (as transcribed): 1596; Role: Freeman; Freeman's first name: Arthure; Freeman's last name: Mainwaring; Master's first name: Rich; Master's last name: Blakeway; London Metropolitan Archives reference: CLC/L/HA/C/007/MS15857/001; Folio / Page number: 140; Catalogue description: Worshipful Company of Haberdashers - Register of freedom admissions 1526-1613. - ↑
Apprenticeship:
"London Apprenticeship Abstracts, 1442-1850"
FindMyPast Transcription (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
First name(s): George; Last name: Mainwaring; Apprenticeship year: 1670; Livery company: Ironmonger; Details: Stephens Edward, son of Edward, Cherington, Gloucestershire, esquire, to George Mainwaring, 20 Jan 1669/70, Ironmongers' Company; Birth county: Gloucestershire; Birth country: England. - ↑
Apprenticeship:
"City Of London, Ironmongers' Company, Apprentices And Freemen 1511-1939"
FindMyPast Image - FindMyPast Transcription (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
First name(s): Philip Champion; Last name: Toker; Year: 1824; Role: Freeman; Freeman's first name(s): Philip Champion; Freeman's last name: Toker; Master's first name(s): George; Master's last name: Silk; Admitted by: Service; London Metropolitan Archives reference: CLC/L/IB/C/002/MS16977/003; Catalogue description: Worshipful Company of Ironmongers - Register of freedom admissions 1767-1848; Folio or page number: 64. - ↑
Apprenticeship:
"London, England, Freedom of the City Admission Papers, 1681-1930"
London Metropolitan Archive; Reference Number: COL/CHD/FR/02/0106-0113
Ancestry Sharing Link (free access)
Ancestry Record 2052 #947220 (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
Name: John Mainwaring; Admission Date: 1687; Residence Place: England; Father: John Mainwaring. - ↑
Apprenticeship:
"London Apprenticeship Abstracts, 1442-1850"
FindMyPast Transcription (subscription required, accessed 31 January 2024)
First name(s): Solomon; Last name: Mainwaring; Apprenticeship year: 1670; Livery company: Needlemaker; Details: Mainwaring Solomon, son of Edward, St Peter le Poer, London, curate, to William Derry, 4 Jul 1670 [8 Nov 1675 turned over to Noah Pillcorne], Needlemaker's Company; Father's occupation: curate; Birth county: London, Middlesex; Birth country: England.