A modern Livery Company, with Letters Patent granted in 1979, although insurance has thrived in the City for over 300 years. Based at Insurance Hall, managed by the Chartered Insurance Institute and shared with the Worshipful Company of Firefighters.
Salters Company - 9
One of the oldest companies in existence before 1066. Roman soldiers were given rations of salt (sal) and is the origin of the word salary
Salt was an essential commodity in England, used to preserve meat and fish. Other uses were cleaning, dyeing fabric, bleaching, dehairing and softening leather.
The salters have had various halls which have been destroyed, the current hall is designed by Sir Basil Spence, in a contemporary style in 1976.
Brewers Company - 14
Another of the older companies, dating back to 12th century. Richard Wittington persistently fined the Brewers and there was much animosity between them.
The company's patron saint is Thomas Becket, perhaps because of the pilgrims drinking a great deal of ale on their way to Canterbury.
The Brewers are trustees of two schools. Pupils at these schools still receive beer money, albeit in the form of a commemorative coin.
Medieval myth: 4 ale conners were elected each year to test beer. It was said that they wore leather breeches and tested ale by pouring some on a wooden bench and then sitting on it to see if they stuck to the bench. If they did, it meant that the ale was too sugary!
Brewers Company Hall - their third hall, the brewers were one of the first guilds to have their own hall.
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