The Guild of Young Freemen maintains close relationships with all the Livery Companies of the City of London, from the Great Twelve to the Modern Liveries. Through these connections, our members gain a privileged insight into the unique traditions and rich history of the Livery movement.
A core aim of the Guild is to serve the City of London Corporation by fostering connection, education, and support among young Freemen and Liverymen. It provides a platform for members to meet, exchange ideas, and build lasting friendships, strengthening the next generation of City leaders. Through engagement with the City and its institutions, the Guild equips members with knowledge of the Livery movement and its traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation of their civic responsibilities. Additionally, it assists young professionals who are not yet affiliated with a Livery Company in identifying the one best suited to them.
In addition to personal development, the Guild actively supports Livery Companies through inter-livery initiatives, charitable endeavours, and activities designed to retain and engage young members. By encouraging participation and collaboration, it ensures the continued vitality of the Livery movement and helps to sustain its role in the life of the City.
A Brief History of the Livery Companies
The Livery Companies trace their origins back to the medieval guilds which grew over time as they accumulated skilled members and wealth, and became corporations under Royal Charter – given status by the monarch – responsible for the regulation and training within a particular trade. Members of a corporation could trade within the City without incurring certain taxes, and being an apprentice to a member would provide the foundation to a long career in the City.
The name livery is derived from the clothes worn by the retainers of a nobleman, which become the clothes worn by those of a particular trade; a uniform, in a sense. Hence, to be clothed in the livery is now a largely symbolic ceremony where a newly admitted liveryman dons the particular dress of that trade.
In 1515/16 an order of precedence for the forty-eight Livery Companies was established based upon the economic and political power they wielded at the time, and from this the Great Twelve emerged; the then twelve most powerful companies in the City. Any new companies would then be added to this order as they were created.
With the advent of new professions over the years, so too have new Livery Companies been created – from the Basketmakers’ Company (number 52) to the Gunmakers’ (number 73) and Information Technologists’ (number 100), there are over 110 Livery Companies with several more Guilds pushing towards achieving their Livery status. As society has changed over the years so too has the purpose of the Liveries. The government has almost entirely taken over the regulation of most professions and provision of qualifications, and many of the trades the ancient Livery Companies represented have all but ceased – we no longer light our homes with tallow candles, after all. Now, Livery Companies dedicate their time and considerable wealth to charitable work, supporting the armed forces, and providing training through government-approved schemes, as well as maintaining their role in civic life in the City of London.
Civic Links
As a Guild within the City of London, the Guild of Young Freemen takes great pride in its active involvement in the City’s civic life. This includes sending our Livery-affiliated members to Common Hall to elect the City Sheriffs, participating in key events in the civic calendar, and encouraging our members to engage in wider civic activities.
A particular highlight for our members is the Lord Mayor’s Show, held following the election of the new Lord Mayor. This spectacular parade winds through the streets of the City, celebrating the pageantry of the Livery Companies and the extraordinary diversity of organisations that call the City their home—from City-affiliated military units to schools, charities, and corporations. During the event, the Guild parades with the Basketmakers' Company, serving as marshals for Gog and Magog, the legendary guardians of the City.
