City
The City of London is the longest established democratic institution in the world and the oldest local authority in the country.
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.
As head of the City of London, the Lord Mayor of London presides over its principal governing bodies. He is, for example, Chief Magistrate of the City of London and oversees the nation’s Central Criminal Court, the Old Bailey. He is also Admiral of the Port of London, Chancellor of the City of London University and President or Patron of many other civic and charitable organisations. The Court of Common Council is the decision-making body of the City of London Corporation. It comprises 100 Common Councilmen drawn from the 25 wards within the City of London. Each Ward elects one Alderman and a number of Common Councilmen (depending on the size of the electorate) and the elected members cover a wide range of professions and City interests. Elections are on a non-party political basis.
The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths is delighted that a Past Prime Warden, Alderman Alastair King DL, was elected to be Lord Mayor of London and took office in November 2024. This is an historic event, as it is the first time in the Company's history that a Mother Company Blacksmith has held this immensely prestigious position. The Company entered a magnificent float in the Lord Mayor's Show that was the product of dozens of blacksmiths from throughout the United Kingdom.
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:
Craft
The Company is one of the few Livery Companies in London where the craft that bears its name is still a vibrant trade.
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The Company
The Company comprises the Court of Assistants, Liverymen, Freemen and Apprentices.
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History
The origins of the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths are lost in time.
Find out more