Innholders Company - 32

Originally served pilgrims and traders, offering bed and board for travellers and their mounts. They were  distinguished from alehouses and taverns.

In the 14th century they were originally known as hostelers and hospitalers.

In 1514 they received their first charter from Henry VIII, and occupied the present hall in College Street, rebuilt after the Great Fire. 

The opening of Westminster Bridge in 1750 broke the City's monopoly of cross river traffic, and the railways later changed travel. 

Their hall was saved during the Blitz when an oil bomb fell in Little College Street, the story goes that the halls keeper promised the fire brigade that if they put the fire out, he would offer them something to 'put them out', and a large quantity of wine was exchanged after the fire was put out in only two hours!