City Tradition and Sevenoaks School

The Livery companies of the City of London, or City Guilds, are steeped in history. Many have their roots in medieval trades and crafts and all represent the importance of London as a centre of international and domestic commerce. Today, the trade connections of many livery companies are still pertinent. The Gunmakers are responsible for the testing and marking of all guns sold in the UK, the Cutlers, originally makers of swords and knives, now focus on the design and application of surgical instruments and the Goldsmiths still provide purity marks for all gold, platinum and silverware via the Assay Office.

The companies are comprised of freemen - an apprentice of a trade would be typically indentured for seven years before becoming a freeman. The whole municipal structure of the City of London was built on its freemen, and the freedom is still a requirement for the holder of a civic office in the City, whether  council member, Sherriff, Alderman or even Lord Mayor.

It is to philanthropy however that all Livery companies now dedicate much of their resources. This is part of their common heritage as,  historically,  the companies focused on education and training via the provision of apprenticeships. The Farriers (for horse welfare) and Saddlers still provide working apprenticeships to their trade. Charity and welfare of members was a further important focus - caring for the sick, the needy and the elderly. Many companies still support and maintain almshouses for the elderly. Dick Whittington, for example, the famous Lord Mayor and a Mercer (wool exporters and fabric merchants), established almshouses in the fifteenth century which still flourish today.

The Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipemakers and Tobacco Blenders was originally chartered by James I in 1619. The Company, through its Benevolent Fund, supports numerous charities including the Guildhall School of Music, Riding for the Disabled and, of course, Sevenoaks School. 

I was a Pipemakers' Scholar as a boarder in the IC in the early 1980s, and now am proud to be both a Governor of the School and a Freeman of the Company. Fiona Adler, a Warden of the Company, sits on the Board of the School in her capacity as a Trustee of the Benevolent Fund.

All Sevenoaks School alumni, and Pipemakers Scholars in particular, are most welcome to apply for membership of the  Livery. Once you are granted your Freedom of the Company you are automatically eligible to apply for your Freedom of the City of London (you can then exercise the right to walk your sheep across London Bridge!). Members of the Livery have the opportunity to dine with their guests and fellow members in the surroundings of the wonderful City Livery Halls and the  Mansion House.

If you are interested in this or would like further information about the Pipemakers or the Livery Companies in general please contact Roger Brookes on 07810 640183 or brookes64@tiscali.co.uk.

Andrew Golding