Worshipful Company of Clothworkers facts for kids
The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers is a very old and important group in London, England. It was officially started in 1528. This happened when two older groups, the Fullers and the Shearmen, joined together. The Clothworkers' Company is now the twelfth most important of the many Livery Companies in the City of London. These companies are like ancient guilds that played a big role in the city's history and trade.
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What Did Clothworkers Do?
The original job of the Clothworkers was to finish woollen cloth. This meant making it ready to use after it was woven.
How Cloth Was Finished
- Fulling: This was a process where the cloth was washed and pressed. It made the wool fibres stick together more tightly. This also helped to remove any grease.
- Drying: After fulling, the wet cloth was stretched out on special frames called tenter frames. This helped it dry evenly and kept its shape.
- Raising the Nap: Workers used prickly plants called teasels (Dipsacus) to brush the cloth. This pulled up the tiny fibres on the surface, making it soft and fuzzy.
- Shearing: Finally, the cloth was carefully trimmed. This made sure the surface was smooth and even.
In 1532, the Clothworkers' Company created rules called Ordinances. These rules were signed by Sir Thomas More. They helped to control how cloth was made. They also made sure that high standards were kept and that good practices were followed.
A Changing Role Over Time
Over many years, the way cloth was made changed a lot.
Moving Away from London
From the late Middle Ages, making cloth slowly moved out of London. Big events like the Great Fire of London in 1666 also affected the city. Later, the Industrial Revolution in the 1700s and 1800s brought new machines. These changes meant less cloth was finished in London itself.
Helping Others
Even as their original craft changed, the Clothworkers' Company continued to help people. They did this through generous gifts of money and property from their members and supporters.
The Company Today
Today, the main job of the Clothworkers' Company is charity work. They do this through a separate group called the Clothworkers' Foundation.
The Clothworkers' Foundation
The Clothworkers' Foundation is an independent charity. It gives grants to help improve life for people. It especially focuses on communities and people who are facing difficulties. The company also earns some money by renting out its special hall for events.
Where They Are Located
Both the Clothworkers' Company and the Foundation work from Clothworkers' Hall. This building is in Dunster Court, in the City of London. It is located between Mincing Lane and Mark Lane.
History of the Hall
The land for the hall was first given to a group of Shearmen in 1456. The building you see today was finished in 1958. It is actually the sixth building on that same spot! The building before it was designed by Samuel Angell. It opened in 1860 but was destroyed in 1941 during a war.
Famous Members
Many famous people have been members of the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers. These include:
- King James I
- Samuel Pepys (a famous diarist)
- Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha (Queen Victoria's husband)
- Baroness Burdett-Coutts (a well-known philanthropist)
- George Peabody (an American businessman and philanthropist)
- Sydney Waterlow (a former Lord Mayor of London)
- Edward VII (a British King)
- Lord Kelvin (a famous scientist)
- Viscount Slim (a military leader)
- Robert Menzies (a former Prime Minister of Australia)
- The Duke of Kent
