017 - The Barbers' Company

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF BARBERS

	Arms: Quarterly, first and fourth, Sable a Chevron between three Fleams Argent, second and third, Per pale of the second and Vert on a Spatter also Argent a Tudor Rose proper crowned Or; on a Cross Gules dividing the quarters a Lion passant guardant Gold Crest: [Upon a Helm on a Wreath Argent and Sable] An Opinicus Statant Or Supporters: On either side a Lynx proper (semée of Hurts Torteaux Pomeis Bezants and Plates) ducally gorged and chained Argent Motto: De Praescientia Dei
Granted 2 June 1569 by Sir Gilbert Dethick, Garter King of Arms, Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms, and William Flower, Norroy King of Arms, to replace earlier grants of 29 September 1451 (by Roger Legh, Norroy King of Arms) and 10 July 1561 (by William Hervey, Clarenceux King of Arms).

History:
Mentioned in 1308 and received its first Charter in 1462. Barbers early assisted monks in surgery and when monks were forbidden to practice, barbers took over and were senior to surgeons, who joined them in 1540 but who later broke away and established their Royal College in 1800. Many surgeons are in the Livery of nearly 200. General charities assist the needy and support training.

Barber-Surgeons' Hall, first built in Monkwell Street in the mid-15th century, was extended in 1605 and in 1635. Much was burnt in 1666 and rebuilt. After reductions in 1784 and 1869, all was destroyed in 1940. The new Hall was opened in 1969, Kenneth Cross followed by Lawrence King and Partners being the architects. Dining capacity is about 120.

Web site: www.barberscompany.org

For current contact details please go to The Livery Companies Database, which can be found on The Fishmongers' Company's website.