The present Goldsmiths' Hall is the third on the site. Many of the livery companies' halls were bequeathed by wealthy citizens or the Church. Goldsmiths' Hall is on the identical site of the property purchased by 19 goldsmiths in 1339 and no other company can claim an earlier tenure.
The present hall is the third on the site. A unique collection of antique and modern silver and jewellery is on display and many well-known silversmiths and jewellers have developed their careers as a result of patronage from the company.
There are 36 livery company halls remaining in the City, although some companies do share halls. However, livery companies are far from being a mere historic tradition. Since 1945 more than 20 new livery companies have been established, the most recent being the Information Technologists who have formed a vital link with the stock market since it adopted a computerised share-dealing system in 1987. The new companies represent such professions and trades as airline pilots and navigators, chartered accountants and engineers.
Top left: A leopard and butterfly vase from the Goldsmiths' Hall. Middle: The Salters' Hall depicted in 1828. Originally for people who dealt in salt, the company is now involved in chemistry and science education. Bottom: An 1840 portrayal of the Fishmongers' Hall.
Companies continue to adapt and develop. For example, the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers today encompasses the mechanical fan trade, one of its members being Rolls-Royce who make turbo-engines.
One tradition still perpetuated by the Fan Makers is to present royal ladies with a fan on the occasion of a coronation, wedding or other significant celebration, in return for their signature on the Royal Autograph Fan. The last autograph is that of Lady Diana Spencer on the occasion of her marriage to the Prince of Wales in 1982.
The Worshipful Company of Glovers also has a long association with the Royal Family, and at each coronation an ancient ceremony takes place in which a righthand glove is presented to the sovereign by a peer who has inherited this privilege.
A Vintners' Company procession.