I may here take the opportunity to remark that the Barbers and Barber-Surgeons held a somewhat distinctive position apart from other Companies, inasmuch as they were a Professional rather than a Trade Guild, and their History, consequently, becomes invested with an especial interest. Another point to which I, as a Barber, am proud to refer is that our Company stood out, alone, as the pioneer of Technical Education, hundreds of years before it became as popular as it now is. From the middle of the fifteenth century the Company was careful to provide for Surgical Lectures, and the regular and systematic instruction of its members. The means originally employed may have been primitive, but they were dictated by high motives, and gradually extended and developed; a Museum (a poor one, it is true) and a valuable Library were founded, an Anatomical Theatre was built, and every opportunity taken to encourage the Scientific study of Surgery--all with results fraught with the greatest benefit, not only to London, but to the Kingdom at large. In conclusion, I desire to express my thanks to those who have aided me in my work, and especially to my dear and valued friend, Past Master Charles John Shoppee, whose practical assistance, advice and encouragement all through, have been to me of the greatest service. Mr. D’Arcy Power, M.A., has laid me under much obligation, and particularly for revising and perfecting my translation of the Norman-French Ordinances, 12th Rich. II. My son, Austin Travers Young, has rendered valuable assistance in delineating the several Illustrations throughout the work, and lastly, I must record, with gratitude, my obligation to Mr. Edward Lawless for the attention and care bestowed upon me on the numerous occasions of my visits to the Hall. The preparation of this work, a somewhat arduous task for an Amateur, has been to me purely a labour of love, and, in laying down my pen I may be permitted to add, that my best wishes for the Ancient Mystery of Barbers are summed up in the words of our time-honoured toast, “_The Worshipful Company of Barbers, Root and Branch, and may it flourish for ever_.” SIDNEY YOUNG. ALWYNE ROAD, CANONBURY. _March, 1890._ 1889-1890. THE COURT OF THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF BARBERS OF LONDON. ~Master~: WILLIAM AARON ECCLESTONE, Esq. ~Wardens~: WILLIAM LUMLEY, Esq. JAMES COPE CORNISH, Esq. JOSEPH WILSON, Esq. ~Assistants~: HENRY EVANS, Esq. CHARLES JOHN SHOPPEE, Esq. JAMES HARVEY, Esq., Deputy. HENLEY GROSE SMITH, Esq. GEORGE AUSTIN, Esq. RICHARD JAMES ATKINSON, Esq. CHARLES HOWARD ATKINSON, Esq. WALTER HENRY WILKIN, Esq., Alderman. JONATHAN DENNY, Esq. THOMAS GEORGE DRIVER, Esq. NATHAN SALAMAN, Esq. JOHN CARY LOVELL, Esq. EDWARD CHARLES CORNISH, Esq. GEORGE AUSTIN, Jun., Esq. WALTER LUMLEY, Esq. THOMAS ARTHUR GREENE, Esq. SIDNEY YOUNG, Esq. ALFRED LOW, Esq. CONTENTS.