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Joining the Livery

The Master and Wardens welcome applications from anyone of good standing interested in joining the Livery. Gentlemen and ladies enjoy equal status as Liverymen. It is expected that the first lady Master will take the chair in the next few years. It is worthwhile repeating here the present day aims of the Livery:

to provide a link to the industry and its modern offshoots
to dispense charitable funds to deserving causes
to maintain links with the City and other livery companies and to support the Lord Mayor
to create a friendly environment in which likeminded people may socialise.

It is hoped and expected that all who apply to become Liverymen will play an active part in the Company and contribute positively to these aims.

Before being admitted to the Livery an applicant must appear before the Membership Committee with his or her two sponsors who must be Liverymen. If the application finds favour there then it goes before the Court for approval.

The next stage is for the individual to be granted the Freedom of the Company. To be granted this a fine and a fee must be paid. The present fine is £750. Young Freemen pay a lower fine; for those 35 years and under it is half ie £375, and there is a sliding scale up to age 40 when the full amount is charged. Having become a Freeman of the Company the applicant must then obtain the Freedom of the City (if not already held). This requires appearance in person at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall.

Once an applicant is Free of the Company and Free of the City they become eligible for Admission to the Company as a Liveryman. This clothing ceremony takes place before the whole Court. Annual tallage (subscription) is then payable by direct debit.

Further details and application forms are available through the Clerk who will also provide any further information about the process.