About Us

Head of Beadle's Staff
Maker unknown, circa 1700.

Needlemaking is said to date from the time of Adam and Eve who sewed fig leaves together. They are the supporters on our coat of arms.

The earliest known needles date from the Stone Age and the earliest metal ones from the Bronze and Iron Ages. Fine needles, probably iron, must have been in existence as early as the creation of the Bayeaux Tapestry in the late 11th Century. Needles were being manufactured in London from at least the 15th century. (see History)

The shield which appears in the coat-of-arms was in use from the time when the company was granted livery in 1656. It appears on the head of the Beadle’s staff which dates from circa 1700. It shows three needles surmounted by coronets.

One of the treasures of the company is a magnificent silver statuette of Dorcas (or Tabitha) which is always placed on the table before the Master at formal dinners.

Dorcas
By J W Evans & Sons Limited 1988

Dorcas was a member of the early Christian community in Joppa, now Jaffa, an ancient seaport of Judea. She was noted for her acts of charity, in particular for making garments and giving them to needy widows. The raising of charitable funds is one of the core objectives of the Company today. Please see Charities and Donations.

Part of the finances of the Company are held in a Charitable Trust. These are augmented by bequests and donations from members of the Livery. A policy of giving priority to deserving causes, many of them educational and many in the City, is under constant review to ensure that limited funds are put to the best possible use.

The company has never had its own hall. In earlier years it used to meet in Guildhall or various City taverns, including the George and Vulture which still exits today. Many of its lunches and dinners take place now at Butchers’ Hall. The Lord Mayor is the company’s guest at the annual Banquet which takes place at Mansion House. Please see Main Events.