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| Arms confirmed and Crest and Supporters granted 1 October 1550 by Thomas Hawley, Clarenceux King of Arms; certified by Henry Farnham Burke, Somerset Herald, in 1908. | |
History:
Deriving from two religious brotherhoods, founded in the 12th and 13th centuries, the Skinners received
their first Charter in 1327. They controlled the fur trade and became wealthy because the wearing of fur
was restricted to the upper classes as an obvious indication of dignity. This sense of importance
led to disputes on precedence with other Companies, notably the Fishmongers' and the Merchant Taylors'.
In the latter case in 1484 the Mayor ruled that the two Companies should occupy the 6th and 7th positions
in alternate years and entertain each other regularly, arrangements which still apply. The Company is
governed by a Master and four Wardens. The Master is chosen by trying a hat on various Liverymen
but miraculously it is usually found to fit only the First Warden. The present Livery of about 300
has only slight connections with the fur trade. There are notable educational activities. In 1553 a
Skinner, Sir Andrew Judd, built a school, Tonbridge, of which the Company became governors at his death.
In the same town, the Judd School was established in 1888. In Tunbridge Wells the Skinners' School
for boys was founded in 1886 and a similar school for girls set up in 1889 at Stamford Hill. Scholarships
are awarded at Oxford and Cambridge and support given to the City University. Among general charities
is one for assisting young men with vocational training.
The Hall has probably existed on its present site since 1380. It was burned down in 1666. The rebuilt Hall was refronted in 1778 by a handsome façade facing Dowgate Hill. This was designed by R Jupp and incorporates Ionic pilasters supporting an entablature and pediment. Alterations were made to the Hall in 1847 by G Moore. Serious war damage was sustained in 1941 and 1944. The dining-hall of the restored building is distinguished by a fine series of 15 panels by Frank Brangwyn. Its dining capacity is 160. The adjacent elegant Old Court Room is now used for luncheons and small receptions. On the first floor the Court Room is fitted with 17th-century cedar panelling. A fine 18th-century Russian glass chandelier hangs in the Outer Hall.
Web site: www.skinnershall.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