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London City

Chapter 133: THE FARRIERS
By Walter Besant
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History - BritishHistory - EuropeanHistory - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

A detailed topographical and historical survey of the City of London, arranged as a street-by-street perambulation grouped into logical sections. It interweaves architectural descriptions, church and company histories, and antiquarian notes with a contemporary (end of the nineteenth century) account of urban appearance. The text includes appendices cataloguing livery companies and civic officers, large maps and numerous illustrations, and discusses vanished as well as extant buildings while explaining editorial conventions used for identifying surviving churches and company halls.

THE FARRIERS

The Farriers of London were erected into a mystery by the Court of Mayor and Aldermen in the year 1356. Among the City records is an entry made in this year (Libro G. Fol. XXX.), acknowledging the said Company or Fellowship by the name of the “Marshals of the City of London,” and giving them power to govern the said craft of Farriers.

When we first hear of them thus, the mayor complains of them for “false work,” and appoints two Master Farriers with authority to oversee and govern the whole trade. They have therefore as yet no power of governing themselves, but are under the control of the mayor.

The charter of the Company was granted by Charles II., January 17, 1684, investing the Company with power and jurisdiction for the well ordering and governing of the art and trade of the Brotherhood of Farriers, and all who use or should use the same, within the Cities of London and Westminster, and the liberties thereof, and within a radius of seven miles.

Beyond the deeds and documents hereinbefore referred to, there are no trust deeds founding, regulating, or affecting the Company.

Bye-laws, rules, orders, and ordinances were approved by the judges, January 29, 1676. Livery specially restored by Court of Aldermen, June 23, 1692. Regulated by Act of Common Council, December 12, 1758.

In the Great Fire of 1666 most of the books and papers of the Company were destroyed. The object for which the Company was founded was rigorously exercised until very recent years, but latterly, owing to the alterations in the habits of society and the increase of population, the Company have not deemed it expedient to enforce their rights, although at the same time they have not abandoned any part of their controlling power.

The Livery now numbers 101; the Corporate Income is £240; there is no Trust Income.

THE FELT MAKERS

Incorporated by James I. in 1604 for a Master, 4 Wardens, and 25 Assistants, with a Livery of 60.

The Company was a branch of the Haberdashers. They were a separate association long before they received a charter. As a Company they have always been one of the least important. The Livery numbers 65. The Corporate Income “varies,” and the Trust Income is £126. There is no Hall.