Merchant Taylors Company

One of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company started as an association of artisans, ie working tailors, known as the Fraternity of St John the Baptist. This was both for trade regulation and also for a good funeral and for prayers for ones soul in Purgatory after death. All these aspects were equally important before the Reformation. The Companys first royal charter was in 1327, and the Company was incorporated by a further royal charter in 1408. The Company also possessed a chapel in St Pauls Cathedral and, from 1413, almshouses in Threadneedle Street for its aged members. At this time the Company was known as the Company of Tailors and Linen-Armourers, linen armour being the padded clothes worn beneath metal armour. From humble beginnings, the Company very gradually improved its status. It acquired considerable wealth through gifts and benefactions. Many important people were admitted to the Fraternity, such as Henry V, the victor of Agincourt. Al...