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| Arms granted 13 December 1503 by Roger Machado, Clarenceux King of Arms to replace an earlier grant (16 July 1446) by Robert Legh, Clarenceux King of Arms; Arms confirmed and Crest and Supporters granted 8 November 1570 by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms. | ||
History:
The Haberdashers were originally an offshoot of the Mercers and had two distinct branches. The Hurrers
or Cappers made and sold hats, while the Milliners imported fashionable goods from Milan. The first
Ordinances were promulgated in 1371 and the first Charter granted in 1448, following the grant of arms
in 1446. The various sections were united in 1502 and became wholesale merchants. In Elizabethan times
the Company was associated first with the import of pins and later with their production. These
replaced the earlier natural thorns and because of their convenience became very popular. They
were also very expensive so that all gentlemen had to allow their ladies 'pin money'. An Association
of Pinners with its own Hall was formed but eventually died out. The wealth is represented today by
an extraordinary number of educational charities. The Company is responsible for the Haberdashers'
Aske Schools and two schools for boys and for girls in Monmouth, as well as schools at Newport, Shropshire
and Bunbury, Cheshire. Almshouses are maintained at Monmouth, Newport and Newland, Gloucestershire. Other charities
provide scholarships, augment the stipends of clergymen and support the needy in various localities.
The Livery numbers 320.
The site of the present Hall was bequeathed to the Company in 1478. The original Hall was burnt down in the Great Fire. The next Hall, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, opened in 1668; it suffered serious damage by fire in 1840 and 1864, and was restored. It was finally destroyed by bombs in 1940. The present Hall was incorporated into a block of flats, designed by A S Ash, in 1956. The panelling in the Luncheon Room dates from 1730. The Hall also contains a binding parlour for apprentices. Some fine clocks, furniture and interesting portraits have survived the various catastrophes. The dining capacity is 150.
Web site: www.haberdashers.co.uk
For current contact details please go to The Livery Companies Database, which can be found on The Fishmongers' Company's website.
Last updated 4 January 2005