004 - The Fishmongers' Company

THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF FISHMONGERS

	Arms: Azure three Dolphins naiant embowed in pale Argent finned toothed and crowned Or between two pairs of Stockfish in saltire Argent over the mouth of each Fish a Crown Or on a Chief Gules three pairs of Keys of St Peter in saltire Or Crest: [Upon a Helm on a Wreath Argent and Sable] Two Cubit arms the dexter vested Or cuffed Azure the sinister vested Azure cuffed Or the Hands Argent holding an Imperial Crown proper Mantling: On the dexter side Gules doubled Or and on the sinister side Azure doubled Argent Supporters: On the dexter side a Merman armed and holding in his right hand a Falchion and with his left sustaining the Helm and Timbre, and on the sinister side a Mermaid holding in her left hand a Mirror and supporting the Arms with her right hand, all proper Motto: All Worship Be To God Only
Arms and Crest granted 19 October 1512 by Sir Thomas Wriothesley, Garter King of Arms, and Thomas Benolt, Clarenceux King of Arms. The helmet is usually shown as that of an English peer. Supporters granted 17 December 1575 by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms.

History:
This important Company is one of the very few old Companies that still perform their original function. All fish sold in the City and its environs must first be inspected by the Company's officials, known as fishmeters, to ensure its fitness for human consumption. There is still an appreciable representation of working fishmongers in the Livery which numbers nearly 300. A predecessor guild was fined as adulterine in 1154 and the Company received its first Charter in 1272. It is governed by a Prime Warden, five other Wardens and a Court of 28. The religious importance of fish in the medieval diet brought great wealth and influence. Originally there were saltfishmongers and stockfishmongers, who after previous amalgamations and separations were finally united in 1536. The most famous fishmonger is Sir William Walworth who as Lord Mayor in 1381 broke the Peasants' Revolt by stabbing Wat Tyler in the presence of the young Richard II. In 1714 an actor named Doggett presented a coat and silver badge to be rowed for annually by six young Thames watermen. Since Doggett's death, the Company has organised this event. Educationally, the Fishmongers have for long supported and administered Gresham's School, Holt, being still the Trustees. They are deeply involved in the City and Guilds of London Art School and support the City and Guilds of London Institute. They are intimately concerned with salmon and fresh water fishing as well as shell fish throughout the country and support research.

The first Hall dated from 1310. The next Hall, on the present site, was bequeathed to the Company in 1434, but was burnt down in the Great Fire. The replacement, designed by Edward Jarman, opened in 1671. This building was demolished to accommodate the new London Bridge in 1827. The architect of the next Hall was Henry Roberts. Gilbert Scott was then a junior member of his staff, and made the working drawings for the building which opened in 1834. After severe damage in 1940 it was restored by Austen Hall and reopened in 1951. Besides a fine collection of 17th- and 18th-century plate, the Company owns an embroidered 15th-century funeral pall, two portraits by Romney, Annigoni's first picture of the Queen, river scenes by Samuel Scott and the dagger with which Lord Mayor Walworth (a Fishmonger) killed Wat Tyler at Smithfield in 1381.

Web site: www.fishhall.co.uk

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