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Years before London livery halls became luxury venues available for hire; they were under exclusive use by members only of the various skilled trades that were attached to these halls. But becoming a member of the livery circle was not an instant or easy process. When a member was chosen, the new individual was gowned or endowed with a cloth garment which they would wear at the next Livery meeting. They would also receive a special badge that all members wore to distinguish them from other paid workers in the profession. The easiest way to join a Livery hall was by having connections with the company through a close friend or family member who was also a member. Until the Renaissance period, it was commonplace for sons to learn livery trades from their fathers. Other means by which members could join the livery organisation was through work known as Servitude. This was based on a prescribed number of years' trade experience, knowledge and perhaps maturity. The apprentice would eventually grow into his role as an independent liveryman but was usually treated in accordance with the level at which society deemed him due to his level of class. He could have been anything from a slave to the right hand helper of their master, being treated on near equal terms. Those who persevered in their training would eventually become qualified independent craftsmen. In only one case during the history of Livery Companies did the government bestow membership without a petition. This was the case during the 1500s for the Livery of Water workers. Apparently the city of London held waterways functions in the hands of Livery tradesman. Waterways were the most direct access to Buckingham Palace, and therefore must be duly protected. The only difference was that the City of London felt that it served their best interests to have the area patrolled by reasonably well trained and talented workers. Members of the guilds consisted of two groups - Freemen and Liverymen. Those qualified as Liverymen were members who had risen up to the point where they were fully fledged members of the livery company. However, becoming a liveryman was not an easy process. Frequently one mistake could lead to a freeman being treated unfairly for the rest of their life, such was the expectation placed upon them. Freemen were similar to free agents. They were called upon as assistants to projects, but were not able to vote in new members to city council positions, like Lord Mayor for the City of London. If you would like to hold an event at one of the London's Livery halls, such as the amazing Tallow Chandlers Hall, contact LifesKitchen.com where you'll find packages that show why they provide the finest hall hire London has to offer.
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