History:
The Goldsmiths' Fraternity was fined as adulterine in 1180 and received its first Charter in 1327. In 1300 gold and silver were first hallmarked with a
leopard's head by the wardens of the craft. This craft body became one of the most wealthy and powerful of the 'Great Companies'. It had absolute authority for the quality of gold and silver objects (recently adding platinum) which had to be marked in Goldsmiths' Hall (hence hallmarking) before they could be sold. A particular responsibility is that of determining that the precious metal content of the coin of the realm does not fall below the legally prescribed minima, an operation carried out in the Trial of the Pyx each year since 1248. The practice of using promissory notes that grew up among the Goldsmiths of the 17th century was the forerunner of modern banking, of which the goldsmith, Sir Francis Child, is regarded as the father. Many of the Livery are associated with the craft. The officers consist of a Prime Warden and three other Wardens. The Company each year makes grants to well over a hundred charities, mostly for the benefit of Londoners. They have been munificent supporters of education and took a leading part in establishing the City and Guilds of London Institute. They founded Goldsmiths' College and established a Chair of English at Oxford, of Metallurgy at Cambridge and of Microbiology at the
University of London. Particular interest is shown in extending the breadth of experience of schoolteachers. They have an outstanding silver plate collection, organise exhibitions and design competitions, give grants and travelling awards. The Livery numbers nearly 250.
The first record of a Hall dates from 1366. It stood on the east side of Foster Lane and had formerly
been the mansion of Nicholas de Segrave, brother of the Bishop of London. It was rebuilt in 1407 by
Sir Drue Barentyn and included a courtyard, an assay office, vaults, an armoury and a granary. The
next Hall was built by Nicholas Stone in 1634-6. It was used as the exchequer by Parliamentarians
during 1641-60. This building was damaged by the Great Fire, and restored by Edward Jarman in 1669. The
present Renaissance-style Hall was built on the same site by Philip Hardwick in 1829-35. After being
damaged in the Second World War, it was restored by C James in 1947. The panelling in the Court Room
is from the 1669 Hall.
Web site: www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk
For current contact details please go to
The Livery Companies Database, which can be found on The Fishmongers' Company's website.
