90-721: The Mercers' Company , or the Worshipful Company of Mercers , is a livery company of the City of London in the Great Twelve City Livery Companies, and ranks first in the order of precedence of the Companies. Today, the Company exists primarily as a charitable institution, supporting a variety of causes. The company's motto is Honor Deo , ( Latin , 'Honour to God'). The Mercers' Company
180-491: A court of Assistants (board of directors), responsible for company business and electing its Master and Wardens. The " Clerk to the Company" is the most senior permanent member of staff, who as chief executive officer runs its day-to-day activities. The livery companies elect a majority of the members of the Livery Committee, a body administered at Guildhall . The committee oversees the elections of Sheriffs and
270-732: A guild or meeting hall such as in Derry , a city in Northern Ireland founded and named after London livery companies in the 17th century. Though these halls faced destruction in the Great London Fire of 1666 and during the Blitz of World War II , over forty companies still own or share ownership of livery halls, some elaborate and historic, others modern replacements for halls destroyed or redeveloped. Most of these halls are made available for use by other companies not having
360-522: A trade association for general merchants, and especially for exporters of wool and importers of velvet, silk and other luxurious fabrics ( mercers ). From the 14th century onwards the Company held its meetings in the Hospital of St. Thomas of Acon on Cheapside . Around 1438, William Caxton was apprenticed into the Mercers, under Robert Large, becoming a full member in 1452: his work took him into
450-575: A Maid's Head for their common seal and in 1568 the Heralds registered the seal as the company's arms. In 1911, the College of Arms confirmed the arms and granted the company a crest and motto, 'Honor Deo' (Honour to God). The grant blazons the arms: Gules, issuant from a bank of clouds a figure of the Virgin couped at the shoulders proper vested in a crimson robe adorned with gold the neck encircled by
540-508: A Member for a term of about seven years but in exchange the member was required to teach the apprentice such that he was worthy of membership by the end of the term, when he became a 'Freeman', for he was no longer bound. Freemen of a Livery Company can apply to become Freemen of the City of London , which used to carry certain privileges, such as the right to drive a flock of sheep without charge over London Bridge. The word "mercer" derives from
630-480: A challenge/demand from the floor for a ballot which would be held a week later. Any two liverymen may nominate a candidate for the freedom of the City. Before the Reform Act 1832 the liverymen had the exclusive right to elect the four Members of Parliament (MPs) representing the City. Between 1832 and 1918 being a liveryman was one of a number of possible franchises which could qualify a parliamentary elector in
720-451: A corps rather than a guild. City Livery Club , founded in 1914, is a livery-oriented organisation of over 1000 members based at Bell Wharf Lane near Southwark Bridge. The club's motto is uniting the livery, promoting fellowship . The Guild of Young Freemen and the Guild of Freemen of the City of London , whilst not being livery companies, are popular associations amongst the freemen of
810-671: A craft or through early exposure to the Office of Works, although there is evidence that Christopher Wren obtained information that recorded Jones as an apprentice joiner in St Paul's Churchyard . At some point before 1603, a rich patron (possibly the Earl of Pembroke or the Earl of Rutland ) sent him to Italy to study drawing after being impressed by the quality of his sketches. From Italy he travelled to Denmark where he worked for Christian IV on
900-493: A jeweled necklace crined or and wreathed about the temples with a chaplet of roses alternately argent and of the first and crowned with a celestial crown the whole within a bordure of clouds also proper . Every year the Mercers' Company publishes an annual review of their activities. The property portfolio includes 90 residential flats in Covent Garden . In an average year they might give away £7 million, about one-sixth of
990-764: A livery hall of their own. Most ancient livery companies maintain contact with their original trade or craft. In some cases, livery companies have chosen to support a replacement industry fulfilling a similar purpose today, e.g. plastics replacing use of horn or ivory in the case of the Horners' Company and fashion for the Haberdashers' Company . Modern companies are mainly represented by today's professions and industry and operate in close association with these. Many ancient crafts remain as relevant today as when their guilds were originally established. Some still exercise powers of regulation, inspection and enforcement, e.g.
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#17327721179031080-472: A new academy school , Hammersmith Academy , specialising in creative and digital media and information technology, located in Hammersmith . The school was established in a new building, with support from the Mercers and the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists . The origin of the "Mercers' Maiden", the heraldic emblem of the company, is not known. Unlike most of the City livery companies,
1170-586: A pure classical style, and the Banqueting House, Whitehall , as well as the layout for Covent Garden square which became a model for future developments in the West End. He made major contributions to stage design by his work as a theatrical designer for several dozen masques , most by royal command and many in collaboration with Ben Jonson . Beyond that he was born in Smithfield , London, as
1260-612: A relationship fraught with competition and jealousy: the two had arguments about whether stage design or literature was more important in theatre. (Jonson ridiculed Jones in a series of his works, written over two decades.) Over 450 drawings for the scenery and costumes survive, demonstrating Jones's virtuosity as a draughtsman and his development between 1605 and 1609 from initially showing "no knowledge of Renaissance draughtsmanship" to exhibiting an "accomplished Italianate manner" and understanding of Italian set design, particularly that of Alfonso and Giulio Parigi . This development suggests
1350-417: A scene. Jones was also known for using the stage and theatre space in its entirety, putting his actors throughout different parts of the theatre, such as placing them below the stage or elevating them onto a higher platform. Jones's settings on the stage also incorporated different uses of light, experimenting with coloured glasses, screens and oiled paper to create a softer source of light on the stage. Jones
1440-420: A second visit to Italy, c. 1606 , influenced by the ambassador Henry Wotton . Jones learned to speak Italian fluently and there is evidence that he owned an Italian copy of Andrea Palladio 's I quattro libri dell'architettura with marginalia that refer to Wotton. His architectural work was particularly influenced by Palladio. To a lesser extent, he also held to the architectural principles of
1530-437: A sum of money called a 'fine'. Other people can also become Members by Redemption. Membership is sometimes granted because the Company wishes to honour the individual. Notable Members who joined the company by Redemption are Thomas More and Winston Churchill . One other route to membership is by apprenticeship, but this has not happened recently. In the early days this was a very usual route; an apprentice would be 'bound' to
1620-574: A tie, scarf, badge or brooch. Freemen are expected to advance to become liverymen by a vote of the court of each company. Liverymen no longer have any local government franchise in the City, but retain the exclusive right of voting in the election of the Lord Mayor (Michaelmas 'Common Hall' 29 September) and for the Sheriffs (Mid-Summer 'Common Hall' 24 June) held at Guildhall as a ceremonial occasion. The votes are made by 'acclamation' subject to
1710-413: Is a favourite theory for the origin of the phrase " at sixes and sevens ", as has been pointed out by at least one Master Merchant Taylor; however, it is possible that the phrase may have been coined before the dispute arose, as it comes from the companies both receiving their Charters in 1327 with no proof surviving as to which was granted first. Company without Livery is a status which applies during
1800-492: Is also known for introducing to English audiences moving scenery through what is called 'machina versatilis', helping to create motion among a stable scene without any noticeable Stagehands and of creating a representation of the ethereal. These elements of stage design and of theatre production would later have influence beyond the English court, as those working in the public stage would take up these ideas and apply them to
1890-520: Is appreciated that any increase in the overall number of livery halls would inevitably lead to some dilution of use of the existing halls. There is also attraction in belonging to a company which is peripatetic . In 1515, the Court of Aldermen of the City of London settled an order of precedence for the 48 livery companies then in existence, based on those companies' contemporary economic or political power. The 12 highest-ranked companies remain known as
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#17327721179031980-457: Is based at Mercers' Hall, 6 Frederick's Place in the City of London. The city block upon which it stands contains the archaeology of a Roman-British temple known today as Gresham Temple. Its corporate existence began in the form of a fraternity at least by the reign of King Henry II , in the mid 1100s if not before. From 1210 to 1214, the first two Mayors of London, Henry FitzAlwyn and Robert FitzAlwyn were claimed to be members, and branch of
2070-418: Is the only City Livery Company to have its own private chapel. Children whose father or mother was a member of the Company at the time of their birth have an automatic right to become Mercers by 'patrimony'. Most other members have a family connection to the company and obtain their Freedom by Redemption. Under this process applicants are recommended for membership after an interview and, if approved, they pay
2160-522: The Administration of Justice Act 1977 , being in no way guilds never having been related to trading and occupational activities. Guilds which at one point attained the status of livery companies and have since ceased to exist include the following: Inigo Jones Inigo Jones (15 July 1573 – 21 June 1652) was an English architect who was the first significant architect in England in
2250-524: The City Corporation , London's ancient municipal authority with extensive local government powers. The term livery originated in the designed form of dress worn by retainers of a nobleman and then by extension to special dress to denote status of belonging to a trade. Livery companies evolved from London 's medieval guilds , becoming corporations by royal charter responsible for training in their respective trades, as well as for
2340-404: The City and Guilds of London Institute . From their inception, livery companies cared for their members in sickness and old age by the giving of alms . Today, they continue to support both their members, and wider charitable aims and activities such as education and training . Numerous educational establishments in England were founded by and retain association with livery companies, among
2430-648: The City of London Solicitors' Company and the Worshipful Company of Engineers . Other companies whose trade died out long ago, such as the Bowyers' Company , have evolved into being primarily charitable foundations . Some companies, such as the Pinmakers, disappeared entirely in the Victorian era . After the Carmen's Company received City livery status in 1848 no new companies were established for 80 years until
2520-586: The City of London constituency , as it was a preserved ancient borough franchise under the terms of the 1832 Act. Today 39 out of 111 City livery companies own premises in London, as well as the Watermen and Lightermen which although not strictly a livery company, retains headquarters still in regular use. Among the earliest companies known to have had halls are the Merchant Taylors and Goldsmiths in
2610-565: The Company of Parish Clerks nor the Company of Watermen have applied or intend to apply for livery status, which remains a long-standing City tradition. This is granted by the City Corporation in effect to control a company. The Watermen and Parish Clerks are governed by statutes and royal charters with responsibilities outside the City. The Company of Watermen and Lightermen was established by Act of Parliament in 1555 to regulate
2700-642: The Honourable Company of Master Mariners in 1926 (granted livery in 1932). Post-1926 creations are known as modern livery companies . The Nurses' Company , the newest, was granted livery status in 2023, making it the 111th City livery company in order of precedence . The Honourable Company of Air Pilots is exceptional among London's livery companies in having active overseas committees in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand and North America. Livery companies were originally formed, starting in
2790-617: The Ironmongers . Many livery halls can be hired for business and social functions, and are popular for weddings , commercial and society meetings, luncheons and dinners. Three livery companies (the Glaziers and Painters of Glass , Launderers and Scientific Instrument Makers ) share a hall in Southwark , just south of and outside the City of London, while the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers has long been based at Proof House in
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2880-479: The London Borough of Tower Hamlets . Companies without halls customarily book use of another livery hall for their formal gatherings, giving members and guests the opportunity to visit and enjoy different City livery halls by rotation. Blue plaques throughout the City of London indicate where companies formerly had halls. Whilst several livery companies may aspire to owning or regaining their own hall it
2970-542: The Low Countries . Between 1517 and 1524, the Company built the Mercer's Chapel on this land, with the first Mercers' Hall above it, fronting Cheapside. A member of the Mercers, Robert Packington , was murdered on 13 November 1536, the first recorded death by shooting with a handgun; Rose Hickman, a Protestant, recalled how he used to bring English bybles from beyond sea. and it is thought this may be connected to
3060-499: The Queen's House , Greenwich, for James I's wife, Anne . With the foundations laid and the first storey built, work stopped suddenly when Anne died in 1619. Jones provided a design for the queen's funeral hearse or catafalque, but it was not implemented. Work at Greenwich resumed in 1629, this time for Charles I's Queen, Henrietta Maria . It was finished in 1635 as the first strictly classical building in England, employing ideas found in
3150-471: The Square Mile , less competitive. The City adapted with Britain's role in the expansion of global trade by establishing exchanges which later became guardians of business conduct . From the 1870s however, there was a revival, with livery companies extending their original educational purpose to technical education, supporting new industries and providing the necessary training, most notably through
3240-480: The early modern era and the first to employ Vitruvian rules of proportion and symmetry in his buildings. As the most notable architect in England, Jones was the first person to introduce the classical architecture of Rome and the Italian Renaissance to Britain. He left his mark on London by his design of single buildings, such as the Queen's House which is the first building in England designed in
3330-601: The freedom of the City of London , now an essential formality, though in the past the Freedom carried benefits, such as being able to drive a flock of sheep across London Bridge at no charge. Livery companies are governed by a Master (alternatively styled Prime Warden in some companies, or Upper Bailiff of the Weavers' Company), a number of Wardens (holding various titles such as the Upper, Middle, Lower, or Renter Wardens), and
3420-646: The iconoclasm of the Reformation was secretly preserved in a sand-filled pit under the chapel floor, only being found during repairs after the bomb damage of World War Two . Inigo Jones was admitted as a member in 1620. The building was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The second Hall, designed by Edward Jarman and John Oliver, opened in May 1676. Following the Napoleonic Wars
3510-612: The watermen on the River Thames responsible for the movement of goods and passengers and remains the only ancient City guild to be formed and governed by Act of Parliament. They are then strictly not 'companies without livery' at all but simply 'companies'. The Ward Beadles of the City of London are the elected officials, not representatives, of the City Wards so have constitutional standing. They are associated together for mainly communications and social activities; they are
3600-446: The "Worshipful Company of" their respective craft , trade or profession . There are 111 livery companies in total. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London (i.e. the financial district and historic heart of the capital ), not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices , such as the Lord Mayor , Sheriffs and Common Council of
3690-521: The 12th century, to guarantee that a member was trustworthy and fully qualified, and that the goods they produced were of reputable quality, the two-fold aim being to protect the public and to protect members from charlatans. After the Middle Ages , they continued to be established until the 17th century, when political upheaval in England, the growth of London outwards from the City rendered many such livery companies, which only controlled trade within
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3780-484: The 14th century, and, uniquely, the kitchen and the crypt of Merchant Taylors' Hall survived both the Great Fire of London and the Blitz , the kitchen now having been in uninterrupted use for over 600 years. Besides part of Merchant Taylors' Hall kitchens, the oldest interiors extant of a livery hall proper are those of the Apothecaries' Society , most rooms of which date from 1668 to 1671; significant portions of
3870-678: The 1630s, Jones was in high demand and, as Surveyor to the King, his services were only available to a very limited circle of people, so often projects were commissioned to other members of the Works. Stoke Bruerne Park in Northamptonshire was built by Sir Francis Crane , "receiving the assistance of Inigo Jones", between 1629 and 1635. Jones is also thought to have been involved in another country house, this time in Wiltshire . Wilton House
3960-477: The City's Sheriffs , Bridge Masters, Ale Conners , Auditors, members of the City Livery Committee, and approve the aldermanic candidates for election to the office of Lord Mayor of London . Entry to a livery company may be by one of four routes: Regardless of method of entry, membership carries the same duties, responsibilities and privileges. Membership of a livery company may combine with
4050-713: The City, with the young freemen being open to those under the age of 40. The Honourable Company of Freemen of the City of London of North America (headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) represents Freemen and Liverymen of the City of London living in North America. The City Corporation of London retains the lordship of three manors in Southwark ( Guildable , King's and Great Liberty ). Now membership organisations, members are eligible to serve as ceremonial officers or jurors in their relevant manorial jurisdiction . These courts retain legal-standing under
4140-573: The Earl of Salisbury's New Exchange in the Strand, where work commenced in June 1608, and the central tower of St Paul's Cathedral, displaying a similar practical architectural inexperience and immature handling of themes from sources including Palladio, Serlio and Sangallo. In 1609, having perhaps accompanied Salisbury's son and heir, Viscount Cranborne , around France, he appears as an architectural consultant at Hatfield House , making small modifications to
4230-642: The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office , while others are awarding bodies for professional qualifications. The Scriveners' Company admits senior members of legal and associated professions, the Apothecaries' Society awards post-graduate qualifications in some medical specialities, and the Hackney Carriage Drivers' Company comprises licensed taxi drivers who have passed the " Knowledge of London " test. Several companies restrict membership to those holding relevant professional qualifications, e.g.
4320-467: The Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Presently, there are 111 City livery companies, with the newer companies generally being ranked by seniority of creation. The origins of some companies, and the granting of their liveries, are now obscure. The Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have long disputed their precedence, so once a year (at Easter) they swap between sixth and seventh places. This mix-up
4410-882: The Latin merx, mercis , "merchandise" from which root the word "merchant" is also derived. The words mercero and mercier , still used in Spanish and French respectively, have meanings similar to haberdasher , although the medieval mercers would not have recognised any relationship to that trade which was covered by the separate Worshipful Company of Haberdashers . In education, the company has administered St Paul's School since 1509 (and its prep school St Paul's Juniors ), St Paul's Girls' School since 1904, two prep schools in London, The Hall School and Bute House , and retains close links with Collyer's College , Dauntsey's School , Abingdon School , Peter Symonds College and Gresham College , all founded by mercers. In recent times
4500-472: The Lord Mayor, educates liverymen regarding the City Corporation's activities and represents the livery companies in communications with the City. Membership generally falls into two categories: freemen and liverymen. One may become a freeman, or be admitted to the "freedom of the company", upon fulfilling certain criteria: traditionally, by "patrimony", if either parent/grandparent were a liveryman of
4590-525: The Master, Wardens and Assistants wear livery gowns at company functions. Masters wear them at the City's formal events, e.g. the two Common Halls and the United Guilds Service, and Lord Mayor's Show, wherever they may participate. Ordinarily, liverymen wear ties or brooches at formal functions and each company differs by allowing men/women to wear distinct items subject to the occasion, such as
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#17327721179034680-509: The Mercer's buildings being the focus of London state pageantry in the mid- 16th century. For instance Sir Rowland Hill and Sir Thomas Gresham together with Henry VIII and Jane Seymour , are recording as watching the Midsummer Marchers that would become the Lord Mayor's Show from the loggia of the hall. Around this time Francis Wren, grandfather of Christopher Wren was a member of the company Sir Thomas Gresham , founder of
4770-530: The Mercers had no early grant of arms but the 1425 charter granted a common seal. A few impressions of the early seal survive showing a greatly simplified version of the present coat of arms. The fifteenth century Wardens' Accounts reveal that, even then, the Company required the device of the Maid's Head to be displayed on its property. In 1530 the Company stated to the College of Heralds that they had no arms but only
4860-499: The Royal Exchange, was a member of the mercers. He was admitted in 1543 aged 24 as a liveryman , and later that year he left England for the Low Countries , where, either on his own account or that of his father or uncle, he carried on business as a merchant whilst acting in various matters as agent for King Henry VIII . The Dead Christ, one of the most important surviving works of late English Catholic sculpture prior to
4950-409: The ancient Roman writer Vitruvius . Jones's first recorded architectural design is for a monument to Frances, Lady Cotton, commissioned by Rowland Cotton , c. 1608–1611 , at Norton-in-Hales , Shropshire, showing early signs of his classical intentions. In July 1606, Jones made scenery for a masque at Theobalds for the Earl of Salisbury . In the following years, Jones made drawings for
5040-612: The annual election of the Lord Mayor of London , the Sheriffs and various other City civic offices, including the Ale Conners and Bridge Masters . A liveryman is a full member of his/her respective company. When a freeman is promoted liveryman, the candidate is said to be 'clothed in the livery': indeed, a livery gown is placed on him at the Court meeting which he wears to the subsequent formal or social occasion. Thereafter only
5130-550: The architecture of Palladio and ancient Rome. This is Jones's earliest-surviving work. Between 1619 and 1622, the Banqueting House in the Palace of Whitehall was built, a design derived from buildings by Scamozzi and Palladio , to which a ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens was added several years later. The Whitehall palace was one of several projects where Jones worked with his personal assistant and nephew by marriage John Webb . The Queen's Chapel , St. James's Palace ,
5220-502: The best-known being the Haberdashers' , Merchant Taylors' and Skinners' schools. Most livery companies maintain proud affiliations with regular and reserve units of the British Armed Forces , providing links between civilian and military life. The livery companies have always been a constituent part of the governance of the City of London . The senior members of the livery companies, i.e. liverymen , elect
5310-457: The church would be destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Also around this time, circa 1638, Jones devised drawings completely redesigning the Palace of Whitehall , but the execution of these designs was frustrated by Charles I's financial and political difficulties. More than 1000 buildings have been attributed to Jones but only a very small number of those are certain to be his work. According to architecture historian John Summerson ,
5400-548: The church, portraying St Paul's Cathedral and other buildings, was destroyed in the Great Fire in 1666. Jones was an influence on a number of 18th-century architects, notably Lord Burlington and William Kent . There is an Inigo Jones Road in Charlton , southeast London (SE7), near Charlton House , some of whose features were allegedly designed by him. A bridge in Llanrwst , North Wales, built in 1636 and named "Pont Fawr"
5490-514: The company has founded a City Technology College ( Thomas Telford School ) and two City Academies ( Walsall Academy and Sandwell Academy ). There was also a Mercers' School which was granted its first charter in 1447, and closed in 1959 when pupil numbers fell. The school was most recently based in Barnard's Inn in Holborn , now the home of Gresham College . In 2011, the Mercers co-sponsored
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#17327721179035580-412: The company was established at this time, the Company of Merchant Adventurers, who established themselves at Antwerp, the centre of the cloth trade. Serlo le Mercer was a member of the company and was one of the negotiators of Magna Carta . Although of even older origin, the company was incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1394, the company's earliest extant Charter. The company's aim was to act as
5670-550: The company; by "servitude", if one has served a requisite number of years as an apprentice to a senior company member; or by "redemption", upon paying a fee. Most livery companies reserve the right to admit distinguished people, particularly in their sphere of influence, as Honorary Freeman/Liveryman/Assistant . Freemen may advance to become liverymen, after obtaining the Freedom of the City of London , and with their court of Assistants' approval. Only liverymen are eligible to vote in
5760-468: The contemporary fashion in Italy. He was probably the first native-born to study these Roman remains first hand and this was key to the new architecture Jones introduced in England and Wales. Jones worked as a producer and architect for Masques from 1605 to 1640, but his most known work in this field came from his collaboration with poet and playwright Ben Jonson . Having worked together for fifteen years,
5850-599: The design as the project progressed, and in 1610, Jones was appointed Surveyor to Prince Henry . He devised the masques the Barriers and the Masque of Oberon for the Prince and was possibly involved in some alterations to St James's Palace . On 27 April 1613, Jones was appointed the position of Surveyor of the King's Works and shortly after, embarked on a tour of Italy with the Earl of Arundel , destined to become one of
5940-426: The design of Coleshill House , in Berkshire, for the Pratt family, which he visited with the young apprentice architect Roger Pratt , to fix a new site for the proposed mansion. He died on 21 June 1652 and was buried with his parents at St Benet's, Paul's Wharf , the Welsh church of the City of London . John Denham and then Christopher Wren followed him as King's Surveyor of Works. A monument dedicated to him in
6030-498: The design of the palaces of Rosenborg and Frederiksborg . Jones first became famous as a designer of costumes and stage settings, especially after he brought " masques " to the stage. Under the patronage of Queen Anne of Denmark (the consort of King James I ), he is credited with introducing movable scenery and the proscenium arch to English theatre. Between 1605 and 1640, he was responsible for staging over 500 performances, collaborating with Ben Jonson for many years, despite
6120-419: The early modern stage and for its larger audience. In September 1615, Jones was appointed Surveyor-General of the King's Works, marking the beginning of Jones's career in earnest. Fortunately, both James I and Charles I spent lavishly on their buildings, contrasting hugely with the economical court of Elizabeth I . As the King's Surveyor, Jones built some of his key buildings in London. In 1616, work began on
6210-409: The fabric of this building are also medieval, from the 13th-century priory, part of which became Apothecaries' Hall. Several companies that do not have a hall of their own share office premises within the hall of another company on a semi-permanent basis, examples being the Spectacle Makers' Company , which uses part of Apothecaries' Hall, and the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights , which co-habits with
6300-406: The first Viscount Hill , the Peninsular general, a relative (via his uncle, Ralph Hill) of the Lord Mayor of the same name was admitted to the company honouring his soldiering. The Hall was extensively refurbished during the period 1877 to 1881 (the porch of the 1676 building is now incorporated into the facade of Swanage Town Hall ). The frontage was remodelled by George Barnes Williams and
6390-413: The foundation stone of his status as the father of British architecture. Jones, as the pioneer in his era, had strong influence during their time. His revolutionary ideas even effect beyond the Court circle, and today, many scholars believe that he also started the golden age of British architecture. On 16 February 1621, in a by-election caused by the ejection of an existing member Sir John Leedes , Jones
6480-400: The interiors were redesigned by John Gregory Crace, the renowned Victorian designer. The Hall was destroyed by fire in 1941 during the Blitz . The third and present Mercers' Hall was opened in May 1958. The architect was E. Noel Clifton of Gunton and Gunton. The Hall incorporates fittings from the old Hall, including some 17th-century woodwork and Victorian stained glass. The Mercers' Company
6570-407: The modern concept of an architect's artistic responsibility for a building did not exist at that time, and Jones's role in many instances may be that of a civil servant in getting things done rather than as an architect. Jones's contribution to a building may also simply be verbal instructions to a mason or bricklayer and providing an Italian engraving or two as a guide, or the correction of drafts. In
6660-551: The most important patrons in the history of English art. On this trip, Jones was exposed to the architecture of Rome , Padua , Florence , Vicenza , Genoa and Venice among others. His surviving sketchbook shows his preoccupation with such artists as Parmigianino and Andrea Schiavone . He is also known to have met Vincenzo Scamozzi at this time. His annotated copy of Palladio's Quattro libri dell'architettura also demonstrates his close interest in classical architecture: Jones gave priority to Roman antiquity rather than observing
6750-561: The murder. The entrance appears to have been on to Ironmonger Lane, and an interconnecting mansion house was secured by Sir Rowland Hill in 1546, which he later put at the use of his protégée and heir (via his niece) Sir Thomas Leigh . Hill is associated with the publication of the Geneva Bible , and is considered a possible inspiration for the character Old Sir Rowland in Shakespeare's As You Like It . There are accounts of
6840-738: The outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642 and the seizure of the King's houses in 1643. Jones was captured at the third siege of Basing House in October 1645. Unfortunately, as one of the last great strongholds to the Cavaliers, the great mansion inside was destroyed by Cromwell's army and even the walls were broken into many pieces. His property was later returned to him (c. 1646) but Jones ended his days, unmarried, living in Somerset House . He was, however, closely involved in
6930-506: The period between when a guild is recognised by the Court of Aldermen and when it is granted the rights of a livery. A guild initially applies to be a London Guild , and may later apply to the Court to become a Company of the City of London . After an indefinite period, such a Company of the City of London can apply to the Aldermen for livery status; if granted, they can thereafter use the honorific prefix Worshipful Company . Neither
7020-922: The regulation of aspects such as wage control, labour conditions and industry standards. Early guilds often grew out of parish fraternal organizations , where numerous members of the same trade lived in close proximity often congregating at the same church . Like most organisations during the Middle Ages , these livery companies had close ties with the Roman Catholic Church (before the Protestant Reformation ), endowing religious establishments such as chantry chapels and churches , observing religious festivals and hosting ceremonies as well as well-known mystery plays . Most livery companies retain their historical religious associations, although nowadays members are free to follow any faith or none. Livery companies invariably established
7110-439: The son of clothworker Inigo Jones Snr., and baptised at the church of St Bartholomew-the-Less , little is known about Jones's early years. Later Welsh sources claim that the family was from Wales , and even that Inigo was originally named Ynir or Ynyr Jones. But no records from his own time indicate any family ties to Wales. He did not approach the architectural profession in the traditional way, namely either by rising up from
7200-525: The square of Lincoln's Inn Fields , and a house in the square, the Lindsey House built in 1640, is often attributed to Jones. Its design of a rusticated ground floor with giant pilasters above supporting the entablature and balustrade served as a model for other town houses in London such as John Nash 's Regent's Park terraces, as well as in other English and Welsh towns such as Bath 's Royal Crescent . Another large project Jones undertook
7290-521: The total charitable contributions of 111 livery companies. Famous Mercers include: 51°30′51″N 0°05′30″W / 51.51416°N 0.09164°W / 51.51416; -0.09164 Livery company A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London , England. Livery companies comprise London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled
7380-422: The two debated and had disagreements about their line of work and about what was most integral in a masque. While Jonson argued that the most important aspect of a masque was the written word that the audience heard, Jones argued that the visual spectacle was the most important aspect, and that what the audience saw was more important. Jones also felt that the architect had just as much creative freedom and rights as
7470-419: The writer or poet of the masque. In defence of this Jones stated that masques were "nothing but pictures with light and motion," making little to note of the words spoken. Jones's work on masques with Jonson is credited to be one of the first instances of scenery introduced in theatre. In his masques, curtains were used and placed in between the stage and the audience, and they were to be opened to introduce
7560-503: Was also responsible for a new ceiling put in the House of Lords chamber in 1623. He also served as a Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for the county of Middlesex and borough of Westminster from 1630 until at least 1640. He was made a freeman of the borough of Southampton in 1623 and in 1633 was offered, but declined, a knighthood by Charles I. Jones's full-time career effectively ended with
7650-711: Was built between 1623 and 1627, initially for Charles I's proposed bride, the Roman Catholic Infanta Maria Anna of Spain , and then for Charles I's wife, Henrietta Maria of France. Parts of the design originate in the Pantheon of ancient Rome and Jones evidently intended the church to evoke the Roman temple. These buildings show the realization of a mature architect with a confident grasp of classical principles and an intellectual understanding of how to implement them. The other project in which Jones
7740-638: Was elected M.P. in the Parliament of England for New Shoreham in West Sussex , a borough constituency controlled by the Earl of Arundel, and sat till the dissolution of that parliament in February 1622. He was named to a committee to improve lighting and increase seating in the House of Commons' chamber, resulting in a new gallery being erected in St Stephen's Chapel during the summer recess and
7830-462: Was involved is the design of Covent Garden Square. He was commissioned by the Earl of Bedford to build a residential square, which he did along the lines of the Italian piazza of Livorno . It is the first regularly planned square in London. The Earl felt obliged to provide a church and he warned Jones that he wanted to economise. He told him to simply erect a "barn" and Jones's oft-quoted response
7920-406: Was renovated from about 1630 onwards, at times worked on by Jones, then passed on to Isaac de Caus when Jones was too busy with royal clients. He then returned in 1646 with his student, John Webb , to try and complete the project. Contemporary equivalent architects included Sir Balthazar Gerbier and Nicholas Stone . One of Jones's designs is the "double cube" room at Wilton, and it was also
8010-479: Was that his lordship would have "the finest barn in Europe". In the design of St Paul's, Jones faithfully adhered to Vitruvius 's design for a Tuscan temple and it was the first wholly and authentically classical church built in England. The inside of St Paul's, Covent Garden was gutted by fire in 1795, but externally it remains much as Jones designed it and dominates the west side of the piazza. Jones also designed
8100-500: Was the repair and remodelling of St Paul's Cathedral . Between the years of 1634 and 1642, Jones wrestled with the dilapidated Gothicism of Old St Paul's, casing it in classical masonry and totally redesigning the west front. Jones incorporated the giant scrolls from Vignola and della Porta 's Church of the Gesù with a giant Corinthian portico, the largest of its type north of the Alps, but
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