“Think of them as medieval trade associations”. That’s what I tend to say to American friends when I’m trying to explain what livery companies are. If that piques their interest, I tell them about the charitable focus of the 110 companies still thriving in the UK and the role they play in the governance of the City of London (aka the city’s financial center and powerhouse). Many of the companies represent professions and trades still thriving and still familiar in modern times. Goldsmiths, clock makers, distillers, butchers, and so on. Some take a little more explanation. Loriners (makers and suppliers of equestrian equipment), broderers (embroiderers), and cordwainers (fine leather workers) – those and others aren’t immediately obvious. The oldest company is The Worshipful Company of Mercers, established in 1394 and thriving still today.

The livery company for publishers, booksellers, and those in the wider content and communications industries is The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers. It was set up in 1403 and its home is the magnificent Stationers Hall close to St. Paul’s Cathedral. I was recently admitted as a Freeman of the Company at a picturesque and touching ceremony at the Hall in the presence of the wardens, a beadle, and much antique paraphernalia.  Great fun, but with a serious purpose: to help educate a future generation of professionals in the content industries.