here are 110 

livery companies, comprising 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.[1][2] These livery companies play a significant part in the
life of the City of London (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 Corporation, its ancient
municipal authority with extensive local government powers.[2]
The term livery originated in the specific form of dress worn by retainers of a nobleman and
then by extension to special dress to denote status of belonging to a trade. Livery companies
evolved from London's medieval guilds, becoming corporations under Royal
Charter responsible for training in their respective trades, as well as for the regulation of
aspects such as wage control, labour conditions and industry standards. Early guilds often
grew out of parish fraternal organizations, where large groups of members of the same trade
lived in close proximity and gathered at the same church.[3] Like most organisations during
the Middle Ages, these livery companies had close ties with the Catholic Church (before
the Protestant Reformation), endowing religious establishments such
as chantry chapels and churches, observing religious festivals with hosting ceremonies and
well-known mystery plays. Most livery companies retain their historical religious
associations, although nowadays members are free to follow any faith or none. Companies
often established a guild or meeting hall, and though they faced destruction in the Great
London Fire of 1666 and during the Blitz of World War II, thirty-nine companies maintain
their sometimes elaborate and historic halls.[3]
Most livery companies still maintain contacts with their original trade, craft or professional
roles. Some still exercise powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement, while others are
awarding bodies for professional qualifications. The Scriveners' Company admits senior
members of legal and associated professions, the Apothecaries' Society awards post-graduate
qualifications in some medical specialities, and the Hackney Carriage Drivers'
Company comprises licensed taxi drivers who have passed the "Knowledge of London" test.
Several companies restrict membership to those holding relevant professional
qualifications, e.g. the City of London Solicitors' Company and the Worshipful Company of
Engineers. Other companies, whose trade died out long ago, such as the Longbow Makers'
Company, have evolved into being primarily charitable foundations.[2]
After the Worshipful Company of Carmen received City livery status in 1848 no new
companies were established for 80 years until the Honourable Company of Master
Mariners in 1926 (granted livery in 1932).[2] Post-1926 creations are known as modern livery
companies. The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars, the newest, was granted livery status
on 11 February 2014, making it the 110th City livery company in order of precedence.[4] The
Honourable Company of Air Pilots is exceptional among London's livery companies in
having active overseas committees in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and
North America.

Contents

 1Purpose
o 1.1Training and industry
o 1.2Charity and education
o 1.3Support to the armed forces
o 1.4City of London governance