Livery Companies have long played a key role in supporting the Lord Mayor. They pledge a vow of obedience to maintain the franchises and customs of the City of London Corporation, participate in its many unique traditions and take an active interest in the affairs of the Corporation. Liverymen are entitled to vote in the annual election of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, these being held on Midsummer Day for the Sheriffs and other officers, and Michaelmas Day for the Lord Mayor. For more information on Livery Companies within the City of London visit this link.

Other Companies

The Blacksmiths have particularly strong links with the following companies:

• The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers (they traded the iron which the Blacksmiths used in their forges)
• The Worshipful Company of Farriers (the Blacksmiths made the horse-shoes, the Farriers put them on the horses’ feet)

Livery Committee

The Livery Committee of London has two principal purposes:

• To oversee the arrangements for Common Hall: at the Election of Sheriffs on Midsummer Day, and the Election of the Lord Mayor each Michaelmas Day.
• To act as the conduit for communication between the Livery (and its masters, prime wardens, courts, liverymen and clerks) and with Guildhall (including the Chamberlain’s Court), Mansion House, and the Old Bailey, on any matter affecting the interests of the general body of the Livery.

The Livery Committee website has 2 invaluable resources for all Liverymen:

• A website containing details of City events and news and all Livery Companies (Masters, Clerks and Livery Halls).
• The calendar containing details of City of London and other Company events which may be of interest.