As many of you will be aware, the City of London is famous for its 101 Livery Companies. The Worshipful Company of Coopers have their Hall in Devonshire Square in Bishopsgate and have been a recognised livery company since 1501.
So what is “the livery”?
Its origins can be traded back to the 12th century. Often, those working in the same craft lived and work near each other, grouping together to regulate competition within their trade and maintain high standards. The early London guilds benefited their members and customers alike, controlling the manufacture and selling of most goods and services in the Square Mile. As the guilds became more established, many set up their headquarters in large houses or Halls in the City. As well as a meeting place, these became the venue for settling trade or domestic disputes. When some guilds introduced their own distinctive clothing and regalia – or “livery” – to distinguish themselves from those in other guilds, they became known as livery companies. In 1515 there were 48 companies and the Lord Mayor established an order of precedence for them, finally ending many years of dispute.
Today there are 101 Livery Companies who share the same ethos: supporting trade, education, charity and fellowship and working in the best interests of the communities in which they operate. The charitable dimension of their work now amounts to well over £75m each year.
So what is “a Cooper”?
A cooper is a person trained to make wooden casks, barrels, vats, tubs, troughs and other similar containers from timber staves that would usually heated or steamed to make them pliable. You don’t have to have any pre-existing affiliation with this industry to be admitted as a Member of the Worshipful Company of Coopers.
As well as supporting cooperage, the Company has a wide range of social and philanthropic activities. The Coopers Charity, for example makes grants for the following charitable purposes:
1) To assist persons in conditions of need, hardship or distress in the Greater London area, the County of Surrey and members of The Worshipful Company of Coopers, their widows and dependants;
2) To advance education generally, but not exclusively connected to the trade of cooperage and pupils of the schools associated with The Worshipful Company of Coopers, namely The Cooper’s Company & Coborn School (Academy) and Strode’s College;
3) To preserve the history and heritage and to advance the public’s education of the ancient trade of Cooperage; and
4) To support such other general charitable purposes as the Trustees may in their absolute discretion determine.
The application process for the Coopers’ Charity is outlined here.
Coopers’ Hall is also a beautiful Georgian building in Devonshire Square, a stone’s throw away from Liverpool Street Station. You can hire the Hall for meetings and events throughout the year. It also houses a great deal of historical artefacts from the company. You can find out more about Coopers Hall here.
There is an inclusive and welcoming social calendar of events too. You can find out more here.
Finally, if you’re interested in exploring the Worshipful Company of Coopers further, why not reach out to the Clerk for a chat, or you can submit an application here.
