We are the smallest Livery Company with about 200 members. Membership and admissions are governed by our Royal Charter granted by King Charles II in 1664. Over time, an active member of the Company may expect to progress through the Company hierarchy - from the Freedom, to the Livery, and eventually to serve on the Court.
The Livery
Our charter limits us to 75 Liverymen, which includes the Court of Assistants. The Court is the Company’s governing body, led by four Officers who change annually. Past Masters make up the remainder of the Court, with a small number of senior Liverymen who serve first as Assistants, then as Officers. Senior Liverymen with appropriate service are invited to join the Court as places become vacant.
The Freedom
Freemen of the Company who serve actively for a minimum of four years in the Freedom, and have been granted the Freedom of the City of London, will qualify for admission to the Livery as soon as places become available.
Honorary Freedom & Apprenticeship
Honorary Freemen, in time, may be invited to transfer from the Honorary Freedom to the Freedom of the Company, and Apprentice Cooks, after a minimum of four years, may also become Freemen.
