The Livery has a continuing
role in commerce and trade. Several companies still have a
statutory or regulatory role - for example
the
Goldsmiths' Company, which since 1300 has been responsible
for assaying (testing for purity) and marking gold and silver
wares. From 1478 these wares were required to be brought to
its hall for testing, the origin of the word 'hallmark'. Today
the Goldsmiths continue to run the London Assay Office where
several million articles of gold, silver and platinum are
hallmarked each year.
The Blacksmiths award a range of Certificates,
Diplomas and Medals to recognise smiths who have attained various
defined levels of competence and quality of workmanship. They also
give prizes for competitions at county shows held throughout the
country, and administer a trade mark scheme.
The Fishmongers continue an ancient market quality
control in ensuring that the fish sold daily in Billingsgate Market
for tables throughout the UK is fit for human consumption. The
company has powers of inspection and seizure through its
Fishmeters, the inspectors who have been carrying out these duties
since 1604.
The Vintners' Company has in more recent years been
responsible for ensuring that EU wine legislation regulations are
implemented through its Wine Standards Board.
The Gunmakers' Company is responsible for ensuring that guns
sold in the United Kingdom are safe to fire. Guns are proofed by
firing a charge 30% greater than normal. Guns from overseas are
treated the same way unless they originate from countries with
which there is a reciprocal proofing agreement.
By law, horses must be shod by skilled and registered persons.
The Farriers'
Company has a legal duty to secure the required standards for
the trade and to examine those wishing to qualify for its diploma
entitling them to the necessary registration.
The Saddlers' Company has many working saddlers
among its membership and substantially underwrites the
Society
of Master Saddlers. The Company funds its Millennium
Apprenticeship Scheme, has introduced the Modern Apprenticeship
Scheme for saddlery, maintains the National Register of Qualified
Saddlers and hosts the National SMS Saddlery and Harness
Competition annually.
The
Pewterers' Company renewed its connection with the craft in
1970, since when it has worked to
- improve the quality of pewter wares
- support education
- train pewtersmiths
- act as a custodian of the history of the trade
As agent for the Port of London, the Company of
Watermen
& Lightermen is responsible for examining and licensing
anyone who wants to work as a waterman or lighterman on the tidal
River Thames.
The
Scriveners' Company has maintained its connection with the
original craft of writing legal documents. It examines, qualifies
and regulates full time members of the profession of Notaries
Public in the City who are known as Scrivener Notaries.
Optical technicians are trained and examined in the most modern
aspects of their industry through the role of the
Spectacle
Makers' Company.
With the above as just a few examples, it is perhaps surprising
to realise how many contemporary trades still enjoy their ancient
guild connections.