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| Arms granted 17 November 1530 by Thomas Benolt, Clarenceux King of Arms; Crest and Supporters granted 25 September 1591 by Robert Cooke, Clarenceux King of Arms; the whole recorded at the Visitations of 1634 and 1687. | ||
History:
The first Hall was built in Bread Street in 1454 and was rebuilt after destruction by fire in 1539. In
1641 Oxford House in St Swithin's Lane was purchased but both this and the Hall in Bread Street were lost in
the Great Fire in 1666. By 1668 a new Hall was built on the Oxford House site. In 1695 this was
extended to include a piazza. A completely new Hall, with an impressive Ionic portico by E Carr, replaced it
between 1824 and 1827. This in turn was destroyed by fire in 1941 and the site sold. A modern new
Hall, designed by Sir Basil Spence, was opened in Fore Street in 1976. This possesses a splendid
ash panelled Banqueting Hall with a dining capacity of 120, committee rooms, Court Room and office
accommodation.
Web site: www.salters.co.uk
For current contact details please go to
The Livery Companies Database, which can be found on The Fishmongers' Company's website.
In 1394 a Fraternity and Guild of Corpus Christi, which was composed of salters, was founded. This was
further licensed in 1467 and a Charter granted in 1559. Salt was essential in the medieval preservation
of meat and fish. It was imported from the west coast of France and landed at Queenhithe, later at Billingsgate,
whence it was measured out and distributed by the Company's saltmeters. They also dealt in flax, hemp,
and many chemicals such as potash. This gave them a continuing interest in the chemical industry and
today the Livery of about 150 includes an appreciable representation of scientists. Inevitably there were
disputes with other Companies, such as the Tallow Chandlers, who were concerned with salt sauces. There is
a long history of educational support in schools, colleges and universities; and in 1918 an important
step was taken in the foundation of the Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry, designed particularly
to help young chemists complete their training. This awarded fellowships and still provides scholarships
and prizes. The Salters also organise refresher courses for school teachers of chemistry and give grants
for books and equipment. Research in industrial chemistry has been assisted at some universities and technical
colleges. General charities include administration of almshouses at Watford and Maidenhead and help for other charities.
Last updated 4 January 2005