Guilds -- England -- London; London (England) -- Description and travel; London (England) -- History
In 1683 the Company arranged, by arbitration, their difficulties
with the Governors of Christ’s Hospital, and their prospects
appeared more hopeful when the celebrated Writ of Quo Warranto was
issued by King Charles II. against the City charters and liberties.
The Company, with the view of propitiating the King, by deed under
seal, voluntarily surrendered the powers, franchises, privileges,
liberties, and authorities granted or to be used or exercised by the
Wardens and Commonalty, and the right of electing and nominating to
the several offices of Wardens, Assistants, and Clerk of the
Company, and besought his Majesty to accept their surrender. Charles
II. obtained judgment upon the Quo Warranto against the City, and
all the redress that the Company could obtain was the grant of
another charter under such restrictions as the King should think
fit. His successor, James II., with a view to secure the goodwill
and support of the City, sent for the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, and
voluntarily declared his determination to restore the City charters
and liberties as they existed before the issuing of the Writ of Quo
Warranto; and subsequently Judge Jeffreys came to Guildhall and
delivered the charters with two grants of restoration to the Court
of Aldermen.
The history of the Company during the eighteenth century is an
account of pecuniary difficulties and the gradual extrication by the
public spirit and foresight of the members.
As regards the profession or trade of the members, a return exists
of the whole numbers for the year 1795 when the Court contained 32,
the livery numbered 81, and the freemen 228. Of these, 40 were
Grocers.
The number of the Livery returned in 1898 was 183. The Corporate
Income was £37,500; the Trust Income was £500.
The advantages of being a member of the Company are as follows:
(1) Freemen are entitled to apply on behalf of their children for
the Company’s presentations (six in number) to Christ’s Hospital;
for the Company’s Scholarships for free education at the City of
London School. The orphan children of freemen are alone eligible for
the three presentations to the London Orphan Asylum.
Freemen are entitled to take apprentices.
Freemen, and widows and daughters of freemen, in needy circumstances
may apply for relief, either temporary or permanent. Loans to
freemen are practically abolished.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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