A Brief History
The earliest reference to the Company is in 1416 though records show that a Guild representing the crafts was in existence well before that time. The Company’s Charter was granted in 1568. A City Ordinance of 1570 defined its area of control as being within a radius of 15 miles of the City.
The Company flourished initially with brick and tiles being used in place of timber and thatch. The Great Fire of 1666 led to a Royal Proclamation requiring their use. The rebuilding programme was beyond the capacity of Company members; craftsmen flocked in from elsewhere and the monopoly was broken. The succeeding years saw a continuing reduction in the influence and fortunes of the Company which nonetheless retained ownership of a hail until the end of the 19th century and almshouses in Islington into the second half of the 20th century. Masters and Liverymen of the Company have ensured that it still plays its part in support of the City, its crafts and numerous charitable causes.
Two of the Company's liverymen have served as Lord Mayor of London.
Read more about this topic: Worshipful Company Of Tylers And Bricklayers
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