Worshipful Company of Drapers
The Worshipful Company of Drapers is one of the 111 livery companies of the City of London. It has the formal name The Master and Wardens and Brethren and Sisters of the Guild or Fraternity of the Blessed Mary the Virgin of the Mystery of Drapers of the City of London. More usually known simply as the Drapers' Company, it is one of the historic Great Twelve Livery Companies and was founded during the Middle Ages.
Drapers' Hall Garden, 1860
Queen Elizabeth's College (almshouses)
Administration entrance to Drapers' Hall pictured in 2012.
A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London, England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft, trade or profession. There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City, not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Common Council of the City Corporation, London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers.
Fishmongers' Hall on London Bridge, the home of the Fishmongers' Company
The arms of the Mercers' Company above a house on Mercer Street
Memorial to City liverymen killed in action during WW1, at Stationers' Hall
Grocers' Hall in Princes Street, home to the Grocers' Company