Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | An Act for incorporating the makers of knives and other cutlery wares in Hallamshire in the county of York. |
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| Citation | 21 Jas. 1. c. 31 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 29 May 1624 |
| Commencement | 12 February 1624 |
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Status: Current legislation
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The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire is a special group of metalworkers in Sheffield, England. It's like a club or a union for people who make things from metal. This company was officially started in 1624 by a special law from the government.
The person in charge of the company is called the Master Cutler. The company has a motto, which is a special saying. In French, it's Pour Y Parvenir a Bonne Foi. This means "To Succeed through Honest Endeavour" in English. It reminds them to work hard and be fair.
Contents
What the Company Does
The company was first given power over people who made knives, blades, scissors, and other metal items. This was in the area of Hallamshire and within six miles around it. This rule was set in the original law, called the Cutlers' Company's Act 1623.
Later, other laws added more types of metalworkers to the company's responsibilities. This included people who worked with steel in 1860. In that same year, the company got a special right. They could say "no" to any new company in the United Kingdom that wanted to use the word "Sheffield" in its name. This helped protect the good name of Sheffield's products. The company also makes sure that cutlers use special marks on their products. This shows that the items are approved and helps promote Sheffield's famous steel goods.
The Cutlers' Hall
The Company of Cutlers has been based at Cutlers' Hall since 1638. This building is across from the cathedral on Church Street. The current hall is actually the third one built on this spot. The second hall was built in 1725, and the third in 1832. It was made bigger in 1867 and again in 1888.
In 1973, the hall was given a special status as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's an important historical building. Today, the hall is used for important events and award ceremonies for local businesses.
How the Company Works
People who are part of the company are called "freemen." There are currently 447 freemen. Each year, a new Master Cutler is chosen from these freemen. The Master Cutler also has two helpers called "wardens." There are also six "searchers" and 24 "assistants" who help run the company.
The company also has a "clerk" who handles all the paperwork and administration. A "beadle" performs special duties during ceremonies. Since 1625, the company has held a big annual dinner, or "feast." They invite important people to this event to show off Sheffield's amazing industry and products.
Past Master Cutlers
In 2011 and 2012, Pamela Liversidge was the Master Cutler. She was the first woman to ever hold this important position.
From October 2017 to 2018, Ken Cooke was the Master Cutler. He was the 379th person to hold this role.
Important Laws for the Company
The Company of Cutlers has been shaped by several important laws passed by the government over the years. These laws helped define what the company could do and who it represented.
- Cutlers' Company's Act 1623 (21 Jas. 1. c. 31)
- Cutlers' Company's Act 1791 (31 Geo. 3. c. 58)
- Cutlers' Company's Act 1801 (41 Geo. 3. c. xcvii)
- Cutlers' Company's Act 1814 (54 Geo. 3. c. cxix)
- Cutlers' Company's Act 1860 (23 & 24 Vict. c. xliii)
See also
In Spanish: Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire para niños
