Worshipful Company of Haberdashers facts for kids
Haberdashers' arms:
Barry nebulée of six argent and azure, on a bend gules a lion passant guardant or |
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| Motto | "Serve and Obey" |
|---|---|
| Location | Haberdashers' Hall, London EC1 |
| Date of formation | 1448 |
| Company association | Silk and velvet |
| Order of precedence | 8th |
| Master of company | Rupert Elliott |
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The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers is one of the oldest and most important companies in London, England. It's like an old club or a special group that started a long time ago. They were originally linked to the silk and velvet trades. Today, they are mostly known for their amazing work in education and charity.
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What is the Haberdashers' Company?
The Haberdashers' Company is one of the "Great Twelve City Livery Companies." These are historic groups that played a big role in London's trade and life centuries ago. The word "Haberdasher" used to mean someone who sold small sewing items, clothes, and accessories.
The company received its first official document, called a royal charter, in 1448. This charter gave them special rights and rules. Their full official name is The Master and Four Wardens of the Fraternity of the Art or Mystery of Haberdashers in the City of London.
From Trade to Education and Charity
Originally, the Haberdashers' Company helped control the silk and velvet trades. They made sure things were fair and honest. But as London grew, they started to lose some control over these specific trades.
Over time, the company wisely managed the money and gifts they received. This allowed them to become a major supporter of education and charity. They still remember their past by giving awards for fashion education today.
Supporting Schools and Learning
The Haberdashers' Company has a strong history of supporting schools. They founded a boys' school in Hoxton in 1690. Later, this school was rebuilt and split into two, teaching both boys and girls. They also opened schools in Hatcham, South London.
Many of these schools grew and moved over the years. For example, the Hoxton Boys' School became Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree. The Girls' School also moved to Elstree, becoming Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls. Today, the company supports many schools across the United Kingdom. These include schools like Adams' Grammar School in Newport, Shropshire, and the Monmouth Schools.
The company also gives copies of the King James Bible to students in all its schools. They also help support several local churches.
The Haberdashers' Company is in charge of two big charities for education: the Haberdashers' Aske's Charity and the William Jones's Schools Foundation.
Role in London's Government
The Haberdashers' Company is the eighth most important livery company in London. They help support the Lord Mayor of London, the City of London Corporation, and the Sheriffs of London. For example, Alderman Sir William Russell, a member of the Haberdashers' Company, was Lord Mayor of London for two years in a row (2019–2021). The Duke of Edinburgh is also a member of their main governing group, called the Court of Assistants.
The company's motto is "Serve and Obey."
Haberdashers' Hall
The Haberdashers' Company has a special building called Haberdashers' Hall. For many centuries, it was near the Guildhall. In 2002, the company moved to a new hall at 18 West Smithfield. This new hall is across from the King Henry Gate of St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
On October 24, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the new Haberdashers' Hall.
The Hall has many different rooms for meetings and events, plus offices. It is built around a lovely cloistered courtyard. You can enter through the front at Market View, Smithfield. The building also has apartments and shops.
Inside the Hall, a circular staircase leads up to the first floor. Here you'll find the Court Room, Committee Room, and a dining room. There's also a large reception area that leads to the main banquet hall. This hall has a high, arched ceiling and is covered in oak wood. The building also has offices for staff, kitchens, storage, and living areas for the Master and Beadle (a company official).
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Haberdashers' arms and Hall foundation stone
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Central courtyard of Haberdashers' Hall
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Reception gallery at Haberdashers' Hall
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Haberdashers' new livery hall
