There are 113 City Livery Companies. The Distillers’ Company is 69th in the order of precedence, which was originally based largely on when each Company was established or recognised.
From guilds to Livery Companies
The earliest London guilds brought together people who shared a craft or trade. They set standards, trained apprentices, supported members in hardship and created places to meet, worship and celebrate.
Some guilds adopted distinctive clothing known as livery. Over time, the term came to describe both a senior class of membership and the Companies themselves. From 1560, a Company required the consent of the Court of Aldermen before assuming Livery status.
Although many Companies retain a strong connection to their founding occupation, the Livery movement has continued to grow. Modern Companies represent professions and fields ranging from engineering and finance to communications and the arts.
How the Livery evolved
People formed guilds — members of a trade or craft came together for standards, training, mutual support and fellowship.
Guilds gained formal recognition — ordinances and Royal Charters gave many groups an established corporate identity.
Livery status developed — recognised Companies became part of the civic and ceremonial life of the City.
Purpose broadened — as direct trade regulation declined, education, charity, professional support and public service became increasingly important.
A role in the City
Livery Companies and the City of London have developed together over centuries. Eligible Liverymen form Common Hall, which elects the Sheriffs and nominates two Aldermen for Lord Mayor. The Court of Aldermen chooses between those nominees and retains a role in recognising and overseeing Companies.
The Companies also take part in major civic occasions, including the Lord Mayor’s Show and the annual United Guilds’ Service at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The City of London is the historic Square Mile and has its own civic institutions. It is distinct from Greater London and from the office of the Mayor of London.
Eligible Liverymen from the Livery Companies form Common Hall. Common Hall elects the Sheriffs and nominates two Aldermen for Lord Mayor. The Court of Aldermen chooses one of those nominees and recognises and oversees the Livery Companies. Common Hall is an assembly of eligible Liverymen, not a separate organisation.
What Livery Companies do today
Every Company is different, but four themes are widely shared.
Support a trade, craft or profession
Companies bring together expertise, set standards, recognise good work and help their sectors respond to change.
Advance education and skills
Many fund schools, qualifications, bursaries, apprenticeships, awards and other routes into work. Sharing knowledge between generations remains part of the movement.
Give time and money to charity
Livery philanthropy ranges from long-established trusts to partnerships tackling current social challenges. Collectively, the Companies contribute substantial funding, volunteering and professional expertise each year.
Build fellowship and civic connection
Events, ceremonies, clubs and shared service create relationships within and between Companies. These networks connect people to the history and present-day life of the City.
Common Livery terms
Why “Worshipful”?
In this context, “Worshipful” is an old form of address meaning worthy of respect. It is a traditional title, not a religious description.
What is a Freeman?
A Freeman has been admitted to the Freedom of a Company. Members may then seek the Freedom of the City of London and, subject to the rules of their Company, progress to the Livery.
What is a Liveryman?
A Liveryman is a full member of the Livery. Alongside participation in Company life, eligible Liverymen have a civic role through Common Hall.
What are the Master, Wardens and Court?
The Master leads the Company for the year, supported by Wardens. The Court of Assistants is the Company’s governing body, and the Clerk is its senior permanent officer.
Does every Company have its own hall?
No. Some Companies own historic halls, while others meet and hold events in different venues across the City. The Distillers’ Company has its office at Apothecaries’ Hall and uses a range of Livery and civic settings for its programme.
The Distillers within the Livery movement
The Distillers’ Company combines a close relationship with the spirits industry with the broader responsibilities of a City Livery Company. It contributes through education, charitable support, civic participation, affiliations and fellowship with other Companies.
Its Royal Charter dates from 1638, and Livery status was granted in 1672. Nearly four centuries later, the Company still applies that model of shared knowledge and service to the spirits industry.
Discover who we are