Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
- Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths
The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company, which has origins in the twelfth century, received a Royal Charter in 1327. It ranks fifth in the order of precedence of Livery Companies. Its motto is "Justitia Virtutum Regina", Latin for "Justice is the Queen of Virtues". In 1891, the Worshipful Company established Goldsmiths College.
Purpose
The Company was the medieval guild for goldsmiths, as well as silversmiths and jewellers. Only "masters" of the company could trade in these fields in the city. The Company was originally responsible for hallmarking platinum, gold and silver. (The word "hallmarking" arises from the fact that precious metals were officially inspected and marked in Goldsmiths' Hall, the Company's official home.) Today, the Company is one of the few Livery Companies that continues to carry out its ancient functions. The Company operates the London Assay Office, where objects made of precious metals are tested for purity, and then marked with an official symbol if they pass the necessary tests. At a Trial of the Pyx, they are responsible for checking the validity of British coinage.
Goldsmiths' Hall
The company's livery hall, Goldsmiths' Hall is located at the junction of Foster Lane and Gresham Street, north east of St. Paul's Cathedral. The company has been based in the same location since 1339, and the present hall is the third on the site. Little is known about the first hall. The second hall was built in 1634-36 and restored after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was eventually demolished in the late 1820s. The third and present hall was designed by Philip Hardwick. In 1941 a bomb exploded inside the south-west corner but the building largely survived and it was restored after the war. Goldsmiths' Hall is not usually open to the public but there are a few open days each year.
External links
* [http://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk The Goldsmiths' Company]
* [http://www.shaw-hardwick.co.uk Website in memory of Philip Hardwick]
Wikimedia Foundation.
2010.
Look at other dictionaries:
Worshipful Company of Curriers — Spes Nostra Deus Location: c/o Tallow Chandlers Hall, Dowgate Hill, London Date of formation: 1272 … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Cooks — Vulnerati Non Victi Date of formation: 1482 Company association: Cooks and food … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Mercers — Honor Deo Latin for Honour to God. Location: Mercers Hall, London Date of formation: 1394 Company association … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Cordwainers — Corio et Arte The Cordwainers Coat of Arms Location: c/o Clothworkers Hall, Dunster Court, Mincing Lane, London EC3R 7AH Date of formation: 1272 Company association: Leather industries … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Musicians — Arms of the Company, 1905 The Worshipful Company of Musicians is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. Its history dates back to at least 1350. Originally a specialist guild for musicians, its role became an anachronism in the 18th… … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Drapers — Arms of the Drapers Company The Worshipful Company of Drapers is one of the 108 Livery Companies of the City of London; it has the formal name of The Master and Wardens and Brethren and Sisters of the Guild or Fraternity of the Blessed Mary the… … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Cutlers — The Worshipful Company of Cutlers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The trade of knife making and repairing was organised in the thirteenth century; the organisation received a Royal Charter later in 1416. The Company has lost … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Clockmakers — The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Clockmakers were formed by a Royal Charter in 1631. Originally, no person was allowed to sell clocks unless they were a member of the Company. However … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Farmers — The Worshipful Company of Farmers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Company became a Livery Company in 1952, and was granted a Royal Charter three years later. The Farmers Company supports farming students, and otherwise… … Wikipedia
Worshipful Company of Dyers — The Worshipful Company of Dyers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The Dyers Guild existed in the twelfth century; it received a Royal Charter in 1471. It originated as a trade association for members of the dyeing industry but … Wikipedia
