Trade and craft associations have flourished all over Europe for
many centuries, but the City of London companies, now collectively
known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and
diversity.
The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the
original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development
of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish
today as living institutions. Their survival has been achieved by
doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide
context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and
professions. Today there are 108 livery companies in the City of
London.
Find out about
Livery Committee Courses here.
Livery halls
Many of the livery companies have halls which are available for
private hire.
Please see the
Venues for Hire section of the Visit the City
website for details.
appears on the first Monday of every month.