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| Combs-Coombs &c. London Livery Company, Guild & Professional Organization Records Organized by Company/Guild/Profession |
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Livery Company records can be a rich resource for learning about and extending one’s ancestry. Studying the professions of ancestors can suggest which livery company (guild) to study for possible craft/trade and familial connections. While the over 100 companies are associated with London, over 75 percent of members are estimated as coming into London from other places to join the companies.
This report includes references to COMBS-COOMBS in livery company records. Over 85 references have been noted so far, and closer to 100 when including the freemen and Draper’s Company members who appear in separate reports. These references are principally derived from apprenticeship and membership records of the individual livery companies. Combs-Coombs and some Comber apprentice and master information are extracted.
There are many more company record types that are extant that could be searched for references to COMBS &. A number of these are in livery company or other Archives including the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library. One set of sources noted here, that is very helpful, is by Cliff Webb and the Society of Genealogists. These center on specific manuscripts and sometimes, but not always, go beyond apprenticeship and member records. They also typically end record coverage in 1800 although some company records exceed this date. The history of livery companies indicates that for some companies their role declined as early as the late 1600s into the 1700s although people still joined many of them even to today. So, there are still membership records that may be helpful in studying genealogy after 1800. Also, Webb’s works indicate the specific manuscripts utilized by number. These can be compared to archival holdings to readily see the original sources or to see what other manuscripts exist that could also be searched, particularly minutes, orphan’s tax books and more.
To learn more about livery company records, please refer to --
Combs-Coombs &c. London Livery Company Records
Archdale, Combs &c. Freedom of the City and The London Livery Companies
Combe, Comber, Archdale, Lovett &c. of the Worshipful Drapers Company of London
The London Guildhall’s Livery Company Membership Guide and List of Livery Companies.
Explanation: ((a) = Apprentice
(f) = Freedom of the Company
The Worshipful Company of
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
- Profession: to foster the profession of accountancy
- Origins: includes only those members of the Institute of Accountancy of England & Wales; chartered 1979
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCES: Company website only
The Worshipful Company
ACTUARIES
- Profession: For more information see www.actuaries.org.uk. This company is involved professionally with the Institute of Actuaries and the Faculty of Actuaries in Scotland.
- Origins: chartered as a company in 1979
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCES: Company website only
Guild of
AIR PILOTS & NAVIGATORS
- Profession: promote aviation profession
- Origins: founded 1929; granted livery 1956
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
APOTHECARIES
- Profession: specialized in compounding and dispensing medicines
- Origins: original members of the Grocers’ Company, both of which can be traced back to the Pepperers Guild, 1180; the Spicers’ joined the Pepperers’ by 1316; chartered with Grocers as one Corporation 1614
- Records: begin early 1600s, available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1633 Combe, Henry (a)
- Son of Henry, of Tollard Royal, Wilts, Clerk
- Apprenticed to Adrian Barton 18 April 1633
- 1664-1669 Combe, William (a)
- Son of Anthony, Dorchester, Dor, innholder
- Apprenticed to Samuel Frethwal 3 May 1664
- Turned over to John Hill citizen and Apothecary 3 Nov 1669
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Apothecaries’ Company 1617-1669. Vol.32. Patrick Wallis. ed. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
The Worshipful Company of
ARBITRATORS
- Profession: arbitrators & professionals involved in dispute resolution
- Origins: chartered in 1981
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCES: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
CHARTERED ARCHITECTS
- Profession: promote the profession of architects
- Origins: The Royal Institute of British Architects, a professional institute granted a royal charter 1834; company formed 1984; established 1985 granted livery 1988
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
ARMOURERS/BRASIERS
- Profession: involved in armour making, metals and metallurgy (copper and brass)
- Origins: founded in 1332 as Guild of St. George of the Armourers; originally chartered 1453
- Records: a few begin in late 1200s, mostly 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Armourers and Brasiers’ Company ©.1610-1800. Vol.22. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
The Worshipful Company of
BAKERS (white)
- Profession: involved in bread and baking
- Origins: believed to be the 2nd oldest livery company of record noted in the Pipe Rolls as the "Bolengarii"; chartered in 1569, split from the Brown Bakers in 1621 until reunited in 1645/6
- Records: begin late 1400s; available thru Guildhall & Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
(See also Brown Bakers)
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
BARBER-SURGEONS: See APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
BARBERS
Formerly BARBER SURGEONS’ COMPANY
- Profession: attended hair and shaving; in the earlier years took on surgical and medical tasks including dentistry
- Origins: earliest reference in 1308; a Guild of Surgeons licensed in 1368 to form; Barbers to exercise some supervision over surgeons in 1376; Barbers chartered in 1462 as a company; in 1511 Surgeons were approved and licensed by the Bishop of London; in 1540 while the Barbers and Surgeons were merged into the BARBER SURGEONS’ Company, Barbers and Surgeons roles were delineated as separate; Barbers’ Company split in the 1745 and the Surgeons’ Company was formed
- Records: begin in 1300s, mostly1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
BARGE OWNERS: See Watermen and Lightermen
The Worshipful Company of
BASKETMAKERS
- Profession: regulated the basketmaking trade
- Origins: prior to 1569 basketmakers were part of the Butchers’ Company; complicated history outlined at Company website; chartered 1937
- Records: begin in 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1722 Coomes, John (a)
- Son of Bartholomew, of London, mariner
- Apprenticed to Timothy Flockton 9 April 1722
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Basketmakers’ Company 1639-1824. Vol.10. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
BLACKSMITHS
- Profession: makes shoes for horses
- Origins: known originally as “The Fraternity of St. Loie”; also known as the Toothdrawers in the 1200s; in 1571 Spurriers joined; Locksmiths and Gunsmiths were also blacksmiths; chartered 1571
- Records: begin 1300s, more prevalent 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1646/7 Comes, Thomas (a)
- Son of Richard, of Elsfield, Oxford, husbandman
- Apprenticed to John Brokenbury 11 Mar 1646/7
- 1656 Combe, Robert (a)
- Apprenticed to Stephen Cole 2 May 1656
- 1681/2 Coomes, George (a)
- Son of Richard of Dublin, Ireland, carpenter deceased
- Apprenticed to Henry Peagler 2 Mar 1681/2
- 1725/6-1728 Coomes, William (a)
- Son of William of St. Botolph Aldersgate, London, confectioner, deceased
- Apprenticed to John Heman 3 Mar 1725/6
- Turned over to Thomas Hales 4 Apr 1728
- 1729/30 - 1739 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John, of Cheshunt, Herts, labourer
- Apprenticed to John Hawkes 8 Jan 1729/30
- Turned over to John Perrin 5 Otober 1732;
to John Tomlinson 5 De 1734;
to Philip Tricketts 2 Oct 1739
- 1744 Coombs, John (a)
- Son of Henry of Bath, Somerset, Cordwainer deceased
- Apprenticed to Samuel Robinson 6 Sep 1744
- 1762 Coomes, George (a)
- Son of William of St. Dionis Backhurch, London, smith
- Apprenticed to his father 3 Jun 1762
- 1768 Coombe, Henry (a)
- Son of Henry, St. George the Martyr, Middlesex, perukemaker
- Apprenticed to William Plivey 7 Jul 1768
- Turned over to George Sewell, citizen and skinner
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Blacksmiths’ Company 1605-1800. Vol.41. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2004.
See also PEWTERERS
BOTTLEMAKERS: See HORNERS
The Worshipful Company of
BOWYERS
- Profession: makers of longbows, crossbows, arrows and bolts
- Origins: while a medieval industry, became prominent during the 1300s; in 1370 fletchers an bowstringmakers separated from bowyers; recognized as a City company in 1371; chartered in 1666
- Records: begin in 1600s; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
- 1699 Comber, John (a)
- Eldest son of John of Navestock, Essex, gent deceased
- Apprenticed to Thomas Sisson 18 Apr 1699
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Bowyers’ Company 1680-1806. Vol.3. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
BRASIERS: See ARMOURERS/BRASIERS
The Worshipful Company of
BREWERS
- Profession: craft of brewing ale from barley; beermaking
- Origins: organized in the 13th century; known earliest as “The Gild of Our Lady and St. Thomas the Martyr”; chartered in 1437
- Records: earliest reference 1292; being 1400s with most in the 1500s/1600s and forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1689 Combs, William (a)
- Son of Robert of Deptford, Kent, labourer
- Apprenticed to John Treslove 5 Apr 1689
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Brewers’ Company 1685-1800. Vol.1. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
BRICKLAYERS: See TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS
BRICKMAKERS AND TILEMAKERS OF WESTMINSTER: See TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS
Worshipful Company of
BRODERERS
- Profession: craft of embroidery
- Origins: earliest evidence of craft in the 13th century and believed to be earlier; chartered in 1561
- Records: most records exist in the 1500s and forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1684 Combes, William, Master to Goding, John
- Son of John “Elmer” of Buckingham, yeoman deceased
- Apprenticed to William Combes 14 Apr 1684
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Broderers’ Company (and other companies) 1679-1713. Vol.6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
Worshipful Company of
BROWN BAKERS
- Profession: involved in bread & breadmaking with rye, barley, buckwheat
- Origins: chartered 1614; reunited with the White Bakers 1646
- Records: see Bakers (white) late 1500s into mid 1600s; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Brown Bakers’ Company 1615-1800 (and other company). Vol.31. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
See Also: BAKERS (White)
The Worshipful Company of
BUILDERS MERCHANTS
- Profession: involves members of the building professions
- Origins: based on discussions in 1958, this Company was recognized; letters patent were received in 1977.
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCES: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
BUTCHERS
- Profession: involved in the meat industry
- Origins: earliest known evidence in records in 975 A.D.; chartered in 1605
- Records: some 1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
CARMEN
- Profession: transportation, particularly ground mobility
- Origins: organized in 1517 as the "Fraterhyte of Seynt Katryne the Virgyn and Marter of Carters"; chartered 1946
- Records: begin 1600’s and forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Carmens’ Company 1668, 1678-1800. Vol.31. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
The Worshipful Company of
CARPENTERS
- Profession: carpentry & woodworking craftsmanship
- Origins: 13th century as a medieval trade guild noted in a record in 1271; chartered 1477
- Records: 1400s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
CEILERS: See JOINERS & CEILERS
CHAMBERLAINS: See INNHOLDERS
The Worshipful Company of
CLOCKMAKERS
- Profession: making of clocks and watches, related skills of engraving, sundial making, and mathematical instrument making, related business industry
- Origins: chartered in 1641
- Records: begin 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
CLOTHWORKERS
- Profession: craft of cloth finishing (woven woolen cloth); promotes textile industry
- Origins: Fullers’ and Shearmens’ Companies amalgamated to form the Clothworkers Company in 1528; chartered in 1528;
- Records: some 1500s, mostly 1600s forward; records only held by the Company
- Findings: Yes
- 1615 Johannes (John) Combe (a)
- Sone of Johannis Combe of Crookehorne [?Crewkerne] in Somerset, farmer
- Apprenticed to Johanni Griffyn for 7 years 2 Feb 1615
- Note: No record of his freedom has been found.
- 1650 Willus (William) Coombes (a,f)
- Son of Henrici of Heston, Middlesex, a husbandman.
- Apprenticed for seven years beginning 1 Nov 1642.
- Made free by apprenticeship to Thom Phenix in 1650.
- 1676 William Comes (a,f)
- Apprenticed to Richard Seamore.
- Made free 11 April 1676.
- Note: Archivist is unable to find William’s apprenticeship record.
- 1685 Adam Combes (a)
- Son of Samuel Combes of London, woolstapler
- Apprenticed to Robert Whittle for 7 years on 1 Sep 1685
- Note: No record of his Freedom has been found.
- 1712/1719 Castle Coombs (a,f)
- Son of Thomas Coombs of Buckland, Berkshire, a mercer.
- Apprenticed to William Bennett for 7 years 1 Jan 1712.
- Made Free by apprenticeship 4 Feb 1719.
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Archivist, Worshipful Company of Clothworkers, Website of Company
Note that names appear as they did in original records except for parenthetical ones that are were added to clarify given names from Latin.
The Worshipful Company of
COACHMAKERS & COACH HARNESS MAKERS
- Profession: coach & coach harness making
- Origins: chartered in 1677
- Records: begin mid to late 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Coachmakers and Coach Harness Makers’ Company 1677-1800. Vol.23. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
See also SCRIVENERS
COBBLERS: See CORDWAINERS
The Worshipful Company of
COMBMAKERS
(defunct; no website)
- Profession: combmaking business
- Origins: chartered 1635
- Records: 1700s; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Combmakers’ Company 1744-50. Vol.6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
CONSTRUCTORS
- Profession: professionals from all parts of construction including lawyers, accountants, etc. who work with the industry
- Origins: established as the Company of Builders 1976; letters patent 1990
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCES: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
COOKS
- Profession: craft of cooking & catering
- Origins: 12th century (1170); chartered in 1482
- Records: some 1400s, most 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1666 Coomes, John (a)
- Son of John, of Stoke Prior, Herf, yeoman deceased
- Apprenticed to John Dutton 28 Sep 1666
- Turned over
- 1670 Combe, John (a)
- Son of Anthony, Abingdon, Berks, shoemaker
- Apprenticed to Reed Hughes 14 Jul 1670
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Cooks’ Company 1654-1800. Vol.26. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1999.
The Worshipful Company of
COOPERS
- Profession: makers of wooden casks or tubs
- Origins: 1298 earliest evidence as a craft guild; chartered 1501
- Records: some begin 1400s, more prevalent 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
COPPERSMITHS: See PEWTERERS
The Worshipful Order of
CORDWAINERS
- Profession: footwear and leather accessories
- Origins: earliest evidence 1272; chartered 1439
- Records: a few 1300s, mostly 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
1699 Thomas Combes
Apprenticed by John Day, Citizen & Cordwainer of London.
Admitted to the Company on 6th December 1699.
John Day(e)was admitted to the Company on 1st April 1680.
SOURCE: Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers
The Worshipful Order of
CURRIERS
- Profession: dressing and preparing leather for use
- Origins: earliest evidence of currying 1276; chartered 1605
- Records: begin 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1660 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John of Aldbourne, Wilts, husbandman
- Apprenticed to James Dodwell 27 Sept 1660 (free)
- 1670 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John of Hendon, Middlesex, husbandman;
- Apprenticed to Roger Crawley 15 July 1670 (free)
- 1751 Combes, James (a)
- Son of Adam of Cross Lane, Long Acres (St. Martin in the Fields), Middlesex, schoolmaster
- Apprenticed to Samuel Smith 30 Mar 1751
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Curriers’ Company 1628-1800. Vol.30. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
The Worshipful Company of
CUTLERS
- Profession: produced and traded in knives, swords, and other implements with a cutting edge; subsidiary crafts of bladesmith, sheathers, gilders, furbishers, grinders were absorbed into the Cutlers; later on included surgical instrument trade
- Origins: craft practiced as early as 2-3 A.D.; chartered in 1416
- Records: few 1300s, some 1400s, mostly 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
DISTILLERS
- Profession: distillers of spirits (strong drink)
- Origins: chartered in 1638
- Records: begin 1600s forward
- Findings: Yes
- 1667 Combes, Kitchell (a)
- Son of Robert of Ashford, Middlesex, blacksmith
- Apprenticed to William Rake 28 Oct 1667
- 1685 Comb, Kitchell (master) to Charter William
- Son of Richard, apprenticed to Kitchell Comb
- Apprenticed to Charles Ecclestone 3 Sep 1685
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Distillers’ Company (no date given) Vol.11. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
See also APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
DRAPERS
- Profession: wool trade
- Origins: informal association as early as 1180; chartered 1364
- Records: earliest begin in 1415, mostly 1500s forward; records available at the Company archives
- Findings: Yes
See special COMBS &c Research Report; Combe, Comber, Archdale, Lovett &c. of the Worshipful Drapers Company of London
The Worshipful Company of
DYERS
- Profession: craft of dyeing; present day chemistry driven
- Origins: earliest craft noted in 1188; chartered in 1472
- Records: begin 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1721-1727 Coombes, John (a)
- Son of Nathaniel of Customs House, London, weigher
- Apprenticed to John Nevett 5 Apr 1721
- Turned over to Thomas Meredith 7 Jun 1727
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Dyers’ Company 1706-1746. Vol.25. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1999.
The Guild of
EDUCATORS
- Profession: education and training, learning and its management
- Origins: early 1990s, in the first of three stages to the livery
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
ENGINEERS
- Profession: professional disciplines of engineering, technology and business
- Origins: formed 1983, chartered 2004
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANERS
- Profession: environmental management
- Origins: formed by the Guild of Cleaners 1972, chartered 1986
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Company website only
The Worshipful Company of
FAN MAKERS
- Profession: fan making; later to promote the fan industry
- Origins: chartered 1709
- Records: 1700s forward; available at the Guildhall
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Fan Makers’ Company (and other companies) 1775-1805. Vol.6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
FARMERS
- Profession: farmers and allied professions
- Origins: formed in 1946, grew out of the Company of Agriculturalists; chartered 1955
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
FARRIERS
- Profession: horse shoeing trade
- Origins: practice evident among the Celts; established as a fellowship in 1356; chartered 1674
- Records: begin 1300s, mostly 1500s and 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1621 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John of Murcott (Minsterworth). Gloucester, husbandman
- Apprenticed to Thomas Baskervyle 20 Apr 1621
- (the above line is struckthrough and noted as ‘disharged’)
- 1622 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John of Murcott (Minsterworth), Gloucester, husbandman
- Apprenticed to Richard Hall 20 Apr 1622
- 1636/7 Comber John (a)
- Son of William of Noal Hill, Essex, smith
- Apprenticed to Thomas Lovejoy 1 Mar 1636/7
- 1759 Combes, Samuel (a)
- Son of Samuel of Enfield, Middlesex, labourer deceased
- Apprenticed to Charles Catlin 7 Aug 1759
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Farriers’ Company 1619-1800. Vol.28. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
FELLOWSHIP OF STREET AND CORNER PORTERS: See TACKLEHOUSE AND TICKET PORTERS
FELLOWSHIP OF SURGEONS: See BARBERS (formerly BARBER-SURGEONS)
The Worshipful Company of
FELTMAKERS
- Profession: feltmaking, hatters, headgear
- Origins: craft association in early records 1180; chartered 1604
- Records: 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
FIREFIGHTERS
- Profession: Fire Protection
- Origins: TBD
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
FISHMONGERS
- Profession: fish trade
- Origins: organized long before the charter of 1272
- Records: 1500’s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: yes
- 1642 Coombes, William (a)
- Son of Thomas of Southampton, Hampshire, merchant, deceased
- Apprenticed to Richard Gun 26 Sept 1642
- 1668 Coombes, Francis (a)
- Son of Thomas of Hurst, Berkshire, husbandman
- Apprenticed to John Gale 23 Jul 1668
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Archivist/Librarian, Fishmongers’ Company from London Apprentices Fishmongers’ Company (dates unknown). Vol.TBD. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2006.
The Worshipful Company of
FLETCHERS
- Profession: arrowmaking and archery
- Origins: earliest mention 1371; grant of arms 1467
- Records: 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Fletchers’ Company (and other companies) 1739-54, 1767-1808. Vol.3. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
FOUNDERS
- Profession: brass, brass alloys or tinplate
- Origins: earliest evidence 1365; chartered 1614
- Records: late 1400s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Founders’ Company 1643-1800. Vol.21. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
FRAMEWORK KNITTERS
- Profession: the hosiery, knitting, textile related trades
- Origins: chartered 1657
- Records: some 1600s, mostly 1700s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Framework Knitters’ Company (and other companies) 1750-1815. Vol.6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
FRATERNITY OF ST. ELIGIUS: See BLACKSMITHS
FRATERNITY OF ST. KATHERINE: See BLACKSMITHS
FRATERNITY OF ST. NICHOLAS: See PARISH CLERKS
FRATERNITY OF ST. SIMON and ST. JUDE: See SHIPWRIGHTS
FRATERNITY OF WEAVERS: See WEAVERS
FRIENDLY MEDICAL SOCIETY: See APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
FRUITERERS
- Profession: fruit industry
- Origins: earliest to free fruiterers 1292; chartered 1606
- Records: 1700s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Fruiterers’ Company (and other companies) 1750-1815. Vol.6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
FUELLERS
- Profession: initially coal, later expanded to the energy industry
- Origins: 1376 with the Woodmongers & Coal Sellers; chartered 1605; charter surrendered 1667; reformed in the 1980s
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
FURNITURE MAKERS
- Profession: furniture making industry and related professions
- Origins: TBD
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
GARDENERS
- Profession: formerly the craft of gardening, planting, grafting, setting, sowing, cutting, arboring, rocking, mounting, covering, fencing and removing of plants, herbes, seedes, fruites, trees, stocks, setts; lately promotes gardening and horticulture
- Origins: earliest record 1345; chartered 1605
- Records: 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
GIRDLERS
- Profession: craft of girdles & belts; at times associated with the Pinners, the Cordwainers and the Golde and Silver Wyre Drawers
- Origins: chartered 1449
- Records: some 1300s to 1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
GLASS MAKERS: See GLASS SELLERS & LOOKING GLASS MAKERS
The Worshipful Company of
GLASS SELLERS & LOOKING GLASS MAKERS
- Profession: initially involved in glass selling and pot making, later promoting the glass industry
- Origins: chartered 1635
- Records: 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1680 Combe, Benjamin (a)
- Son of John of Midsomer, Norton, Somerset, husbandman
- Apprenticed to Nathaniel Adams 9 Dec 1680
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Glass-Sellers’ Company (and other company) 1664-1812. Vol.5. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
GLAZIERS & PAINTERS OF GLASS
- Profession: craft of stained & decorative glass
- Origins: evidence Glaziers existed by 1328; chartered 1638
- Records: some 1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Glaziers Company 1694-1800. Vol.7. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
GLOVERS
- Profession: glove makers
- Origins: formed in 1349; 1498 amalgamated with Pursers; 1502 joined the leathersellers; chartered as a Glovers Company 1638
- Records: late 1600s forward; available thru the Guildhall and LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1782 Coombes, Francis
- Son of Francis
- Apprenticed to John Donaldson 27 Feb 1782
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Glovers’ Company 1675-79, 1735-48, 1766-1804. Vol.4. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1996.
The Worshipful Company of
GOLDE & SILVER WYRE DRAWERS
- Profession: gold and silver thread used for embroidery
- Origins: brought to London by European craftsmen and well established as a craft by the 15th century; chartered 1623
- Records: begin 1600s; available thru Guildhall and LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Golde & Silver Wyre Drawers’ Company 1693-1837.Vol. 15. Cliff Webb. SOG. ’1998
The Worshipful Company of
GOLDSMITHS
- Profession: craft and trade of the goldsmith; testing of precious metals ORIGINS: first evidence as ‘guardians of the craft’ 1300; chartered 1327
- Origins: TBD
- Records: some available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library; most held by the Company
- Findings: yes
- 1675-1680 Combe, Benjamin, goldsmith of the parish of St. Mary Woolnoth
- 1718 Combys, Mrs, pawnbroker; Golden Ball, Gravel street, near Brook’s Market, Holborn
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: The London Goldsmith 1200-1800 A Record of the Names and Addresses of the Craftsmen Their Shop-Signs and Trade-Cards. Sir Ambrose Heal, FSA from the Records of the Goldsmith Company and Other Contemporary Sources. David and Charles Reprints. ©.1935. 1972.
See also CORDWAINERS
The Worshipful Company of
GROCERS
- Profession:
- Origins: earliest records 1180; also known as the Guild of Pepperers formed as a fraternity in 1345; chartered 1428
- Records: begin 1300s; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1639/40 Combe, John (a)
- Son of Thomas of Southampton, Hampshire, merchant
- Apprenticed to Zacheus Pepin 17 Mar 1639/40
- 1643 Combe, William (a)
- Son of Thomas, Southampton, Hampshire, merchant
- Apprenticed to Zacheus Pepin, 4 Jul 1643
- Bond by Thomas Combe 200 pounds
- 1660/1 Combes, Benjamin (a)
- Son of Benjamin of Staines, Middlesex, cordwainer
- Apprenticed to John West 7 Feb 1660/1
- 1661/2 Combe, Thomas (a)
- Son of John, Warwick, Warwickshire, gent
- Apprenticed to George Pooke 6 Mar 1661/2
- 1686 Coombe, Richard (a)
- Son of Richard, Calstock, Con, yeoman
- Apprenticed to Joseph Shebeare 20 De 1686
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Grocers’ Company 1629-1800. Vol. 48. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2004.
See Also APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
GUNMAKERS (no website)
- Profession: firearms
- Origins: chartered 1638
- Records: begin 1600s; available thru Guildhall & LDS Family History Library
- Findings: none yet
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Gunmakers’ Company 1656-1800. Vol. 8. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
HABERDASHERS
- Profession: initially sold small wares -- ribbons, beads, purses, gloves, pins, caps, toys; then included hats
- Origins: surviving ordinances begin 1371; Hurrers joined in 1502 by the fraternity of hatmakers; chartered in 1448
- Records: begin 1500s
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
HACKNEY CARRIAGE DRIVERS
- Profession: from driving carriages in the 1600s to taxis in the 20th century
- Origins: 1654 fellowship formed; fellowship disbanded during the Civil War and reformed in 1662 and licensed into the 20th century; fellowship reformed in 1990; chartered 2004
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
HARNESS MAKERS: See COACH AND COACH HARNESS MAKERS
HATTERS: See HABERDASHERS and See FELTMAKERS
The Worshipful Company of
HORNERS
- Profession: initially using horns for an array of items like combs, books, musical instruments and leather for bottles evolving into an interest in the plastics industry today
- Origins: first historic reference in 1284; joined by the Bottlemakers in 1476; chartered 1638
- Records: some 1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Horners’ Company 1731-1800. Vol. 6. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
HURRERS: See HABERDASHERS
The Worshipful Company of
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGISTS
- Profession: information technology professionals
- Origins: 20th & 21st century profession; chartered 1992
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
INNHOLDERS
- Profession: historically very early provided lodging to pilgrims and traders
- Origins: 1200s; chartered 1514
- Records: 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1686 Coombe, Richard (a)
- Son of Richard, Calstock, Con, yeoman
- Apprenticed to Joseph Shebeare 20 De 1686
- 1664 Coones, Ralph (a)
- Son of John of Kemerton, Gloucester
- Apprenticed to Samuel Newton 24 Jun 1664
- 1676/7 Combes, Ralph (master) to Honyman, William (a)
- Son of Thomas of Willenhall (Mshas Wilner) Staffordshire, blacksmith
- Apprenticed to Ralph Combes 23 Jan 1676/7
- 1686/7 Combs, Ralph (master) to Greaves, Samuel (a)
- Son of Thomas of Stafford, Staffordshire, maltster
- Apprenticed to Ralph Combs 18 Jan 1686/7
- 1693 Combs, Ralph (master) to Shawe, Banjamin (a)
- Son of William of Stafford, Staffordshire, hempdresser
- Apprenticed to Ralph Combs 1 Aug 1693
- 1697 Combs, Elizabeth (master) to Patience, William (a)
- Son of John of Finchley, Middlesex, collarmaker
- Apprenticed to Elizabeth Combs 12 Nov 1697
- 1700 Combs, Thomas (a)
- Son of Andrew, waterman
- Apprenticed to Samuel Burrell 18 Apr 1700
- 1774 Combes, John (a)
- Son of Marinus of Lambeth, Surry, baker, deceased
- Apprenticed to his uncle Marinus Combes 7 Jan 1774
- 1788 Combes, Marinus (master) to Johnson, Edward (a)
- Son of Edward of Lambeth, Surrey, Surrey, whiting maker
- Apprenticed to Marinus Combes 5 Feb 1788
- 1797 Combes, Marinus (master) to Price, Marinus (a)
- Son of Terence of Lambeth, Surrey, whiting maker
- Apprenticed to Marinus Combes 6 Jun 1797
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Innholders’ Company (and other companies) 1642-1643,1654-1670,1673-1800. Vol. 17. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
INSURERS
- Profession: insurance industry (must be eligible for membership in the Chartered Insurance Institute)
- Origins: rooted in the 1600s, founded in 1979; chartered 1979
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of the Company
The Worshipful Company of
INTERNATIONAL BANKERS
- Profession: international banking industry
- Origins: founded in 2001, chartered 2007
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of the Company
The Worshipful Company of
IRONMONGERS
- Profession: craft and trade of iron making
- Origins: earliest historical records 1300 (then known as Ferroners); chartered 1463
- Records: some 1300-1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall & the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1657 Combes, John (a)
- Son of John of Shepton Mallet, Somerset, wiredrawer
- Apprenticed to Nicholas Harrison 31 Jul 1657
- 1798 Combs, Henry (a)
- Son of John, of St. Swithin, London, bottle merchant
- Apprenticed to James Palmer 27 Apr 1798
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Ironmongers’ Company 1655-1800. Vol. 24. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1999
JOINERS: See JOINERS & CEILERS
The Worshipful Company of
JOINERS & CEILERS (no website)
- Profession: Joining and Ceiling
- Origins: chartered 1571
- Records: begin 1500 forward
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
LAUNDERERS
- Profession: Laundry and Associated industries
- Origins: formally constituted 1960; chartered 1978
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
LEATHERDRESSERS: See GLOVERS
The Worshipful Company of
LEATHERSELLERS
- Profession: leather craft & trade
- Origins: earliest historical record ca.1250; chartered 1444; by 16th century joined by the whittawyers (proportion were trunkmakers & makers of packing cases), glovers-pursers, and pouchmakers.
- Records: begin 1400s; available thru the Company
- Findings: Yes
- 1689 William Combs (a)
- Son of Ralph Combs of London, Citizen and Innholder
- Apprenticed to Samuel Fisher of Cheapside 10 December 1689
- 1702 Edward Coomes (a)
- Son of Michael Coomes of Hendon, Middlesex, butcher
- Apprenticed to Daniel Allden 11 Feb 1702
- 1714 Thomas Combes (a)
- Son of Thomas Combes of Bermondsey, butcher
- Apprenticed to Thomas Smalley 25 March 1714
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Archivist, The Leathersellers’ Company
See Also GLOVERS
LIGHTERMEN: See WATERMEN AND LIGHTERMEN
The Worshipful Company of
LIGHTMONGERS
- Profession: involved in lighting industry through engineering /manufacture, design, architecture, electrical installation and distribution
- Origins: inaugural meeting 1953; chartered 1984
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
See also Tallow Chandlers and Wax Chandlers’ Companies
The Worshipful Company of
LONGBOWSTRINGMAKERS (no website)
- Profession: craft & trade of longstring bow making
- Origins: TBD
- Records: 1500s-1700s; available thru Guildhall & the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1663/4 Coomes, Emanuel (master) to Williams, John (a)
- Son of Richard of St. Clement Danes, Middlesex, tailor, deceased
- Apprenticed to Emanuel Coomes 5 Feb. 1663/4
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Longbowstringmakers’ Company (and other companies) 1604-68, 1709, 1714-17.Vol. 4. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
The Worshipful Company of
LORINERS
- Profession: the craft and trade of bits, bridles, spurs, stirrups, saddle trees and the minor metal items of a horse’s harness
- Origins: earliest historical record 1261; chartered 1711
- Records: 1700s forward; available thru Guildhall & the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1727/8 Coomes, Joseph (a)
- Son of Thomas of Enfield, Middlesex, woolcomber
- Apprenticed to Daniel Messiter 21 Mar 1727/8
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Loriners’ Company (and other company) 1722-1731, 1759-1800. Vol. 14. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
MAKERS OF PLAYING CARDS
- Profession: the craft of making playing cards
- Origins: chartered in 1628
- Records: 1600’s forward; available thru the Guildhall
- Findings: so far NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Makers of Playing Cards (and other companies) 1675-1760. Vol. 12. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998. Website of Company.
The Worshipful Company of
MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS
- Profession: management consultant professionals from a number of disciplines including strategy, IT, operations, management development, HR, change management
- Origins: chartered 2004
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
MARKETORS
- Profession: the marketing profession
- Origins: conceived in 1973, chartered in 1978
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
MASONS
- Profession: craft of stonemasonry
- Origins: earliest historical evidence 1356; a chartered 1677; unique relationship with the Mercers, the Cooks and Broderers Companies called ‘The Associated Companies’ relating to the financing of the development of Londonderry in Northern Ireland
- Records: some 1400s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1707 Coombe, William (a)
- Son of William of Upwey, Dorchester, maltster
- Apprenticed to John Thorne 17 Jul 1707
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Masons 1663-1805.Vol. 27. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1999. Website of Company.
See also TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS
The Worshipful Company of
MASTER MARINERS
- Profession: British and Commonwealth Master Mariners from the Merchant and Royal Navies
- Origins: conceived 1921, formed 1926; 1932 granted livery
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENT MAKERS: See CLOCKMAKERS
MEDICAL SOCIETY, FRIENDLY: See APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
MERCERS
- Profession: in medieval times the exporting of woollen materials, and the importing of luxury fabrics such as silk, linen and cloth of gold
- Origins: chartered 1394
- Records: begin 1300s; Company only repository of records
- Findings: TBD
- 1656 Combes, John (a)
- Son of Thomas Combes, late of Ashley, Sussex, yeoman, deceased
- Apprenticed to Master: Edward Beauchamp, mercer 18 April 1656 8 years from 10 August next
- 1664 COMBS, John (f)
- Late apprentice to Edward Beauchamp, mercer, now sworn and
- admitted into the freedom of this fellowship. 23 September
- 1664. 3s 4d.
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company; Assistant Archivist, Worshipful Company of Mercers
The Worshipful Company of
MERCHANT TAYLORS
- Profession: the Tailoring trade; allied with the Linen armourers who practiced the craft maling padded tunics or gambesons worn under suits of armour
- Origins: earliest evidence in 1300 as fraternity of Tailors and Linen Armourers; chartered 1327; by end of 1600s connection with the tailoring trades virtually ceased
- Records: begin 1300s; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
MILLED LEAD: See PLUMBERS
The Worshipful Company of
MUSICIANS
- Profession: encourages and promotes musical performance and education
- Origins: earliest evidence in the 1300s; chartered 1604
- Records: begin 1600s
- Findings: Yes
- 1769 Cam, Thomas (a)
- Son of John of Whitechapel, Middlesex, tailor
- Apprenticed to William Elsley 5 Apr 1769
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Musicians (and other companies) 1765-1800. Vol. 12. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
NEEDLEMAKERS
- Profession: craft of needlemaking
- Origins: evidence dates from the stone age; chartered 1656
- Records: 1600s to 1800s
- Findings: Yes
- 1680 Combes, Oliver (a)
- Son of William of Frome, Selwood, Somerset, tailor, deceased
- Apprenticed to Jonathan Payton 1 July 1680
- 1691 Combes, Oliver (Master)
- Pottinger, James (a)
- Son of John of Hampstead Norris, Berkshire, Cooper, deceased
- Apprenticed to Oliver Combes 6 Jul 1691
- 1722/1725 Colmes, Samuel (a)
- Son of Robert of Dedham, Essex
- Apprenticed to Thomas Goldsmith 10 July 1722
- Turned over, since Master died, to James Robertson, Citizen and Broderer 9 Dec 1725
- 1732 Combs, John (a)
- Son of Joseph of Long Lane, Southwark, gardner
- Apprenticed to Christopher Chappelow 11 May 1732
- Turned over to Edward Birch same day 11 May 1732.
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Needlemakers Company (and other companies) 1664-1801.Vol. 9. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
OSTLERS: See INNHOLDERS
The Worshipful Company of
PAINTER-STAINERS
- Profession: early Paynters decorated, gilded and coloured solid objects such as wood, metal and stone, and the Steyners applied colour to woven fabrics
- Origins: earliest evidence of Stainers 1268 and Painters 1283; joined together in 1502; emblazonment of arms 1649; chartered 1581
- Records: some 1400s; mostly 1600s forward; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1698 Come, Richard (a)
- Son of Albert, citizen and pipemaker
- Apprenticed to John Thompson 5 Oct 1698
- 1700 Combs, Joshua (a)
- Son of Joshua, citizen and joiner
- Apprenticed to Richard Hayes 4 Sep 1700
- 1718 Coombs, Abraham (a)
- Son of Andrew of Putney, Surrey, waterman
- Apprenticed to Richard Hayes 6 Aug 1718
- 1725 Coombs, Richard (a)
- Son of Richard of Curry, Somerset, tailor, deceased
- Apprenticed to John Adams 5 May 1725
- 1725 Coomes, Richard (a)
- Son of Joshua
- Apprenticed to his father 2 Jun 1725
- 1729 Comber, William (a)
- Son of Thomas of Croydon, Surrey, carpenter
- Apprenticed to John Adams 6 Aug 1729
- 1736 Coomes, Joshua (master)
- Roades, Thomas (a)
- Son of James, citizen and glazier, deceased
- Apprenticed to Joshua Coomes 5 May 1736
- 1756 Coomes, Richard (master)
- Budworth, John (a)
- Son of Luke of South Mimms, Middlesex, husbandman
- Apprenticed to Richard Coomes 4 Aug 1756
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Painter-Stainers’ Company 1655, 1666-1800. Vol. 38. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2003.
The Worshipful Company of
PARISH CLERKS
- Profession: Church of England parish clerks of the Parish Churches of the City and Suburbs of London and the Liberties thereof, the City of Westminster, the borough of Southwark and the fifteen Out-Parishes adjacent
- Origins: earliest evidence in 1274; chartered 1639
- Records: begin 1400s; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
PATTENMAKERS
- Profession: a trade association for makers of pattens, under-shoes of wood and metal worn strapped beneath the shoes to raise the wearer out of the mud and street effluence
- Origins: founded in the 1600s; chartered 1670
- Records: 1600s forward
- Findings: NIL
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Patten-makers’ Company 1673-1805.Vol. 13. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
PAVIORS
- Profession: craft and industry of roads and pavements
- Origins: begin 1276 chartered 2004
- Records: begin 1400s; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: none yet so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Paviors’ Company 1568-1800. Vol. 20. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998. Website of Company.
PEPPERERS: See GROCERS
The Worshipful Company of
PEWTERERS
- Profession: craft and support of the pewter trade
- Origins: earliest evidence 1348; chartered 1473
- Records: begin 1451; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: yes
- 1679 Combe, Joseph (a)
- Son of William of Childs Wickham, Gloucester, yeoman
- Apprenticed to Peter Duffield 29 Ot 1679
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Pewterers’ Company 1611-1800. Vol. 40. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2003. Website of Company.
PHYSICIANS, ROYAL COLLEGE OF: See APOTHECARIES
The Worshipful Company of
PINMAKERS (no website)
- Profession: craft and trade of pinmaking
- Origins: earliest evidence 1348; chartered 1473
- Records: begin 1451; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: none so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Pinmakers’ Company (and other company) 1691-1723.Vol. 9. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997.
PIPE MAKERS: See TOBACCO PIPE MAKERS
The Worshipful Company of
PLAISTERERS
- Profession: trade of plastering
- Origins: earliest evidence 1189; chartered 1501
- Records: some 1400s-1500s, mostly 1600s forward; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1622 Combers John (a)
- Son of Gervase, London, blacksmith
- Apprenticed to Humphrey Dovey, 14 Oct 1622
- 1698/1704 Coomb, John (master)
- ____yman, John (a)
- Son of Edward of Shoredith, Middlesex, weaver
- Apprenticed to Edward Lawrence 13 Oct 1729
- Master deeased; Turned over 24 Apr 1704 to John Coomb
- 17__ Combes, Thomas (master)
- Braxton, Cornelius (a)
- Son of Cornelius of St. Giles in the Fields, painter
- Apprenticed to Thomas Combes 25 Jan 17__
- 1700 Combes, John (master)
- Fifeild, Robert (a)
- Son of David of Holborn of Middlesex, plasterer
- Apprenticed to John Combes 23 April 1700
- 1703/4 Combes, John (master)
- Wyan, Philip (a)
- Son of Philip of St. Giles in the Fields, Middlesex, Pumpmaker
- Apprenticed to John Combes 25 Jan 1703/4
- 1707 Combes, Thomas (master)
- _______, Charles (a)
- Son of Thomas, of Hensington, Oxford, gentleman
- Apprenticed to Thomas Combes 25 Jul 1707
- 1706 Combes, Thomas (master)
- Aunger, Francis (a)
- Son of Robert of London, grocer, deceased
- Apprenticed to Thomas Combes 23 May 1706
- Note something is struck thru however Cliff Webb did not specify.
- 1717 Combes, Thomas (master)
- _________, John (a)
- Son of Richard of St. Giles in the Fields, Middlesex, plasterer
- Apprenticed to Thomas Combes 25 July 1717
- 1768 Coombes, Thomas (a)
- Son of Francis of Bethnal Green, Middlesex, weaver
- Apprenticed to John Burridge 9 Nov 1768
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Plaisterers’ Company 1597-1662, 1698-1800. Vol. 34. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000. Website of Company.
See also MASONS, See also TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS
The Worshipful Company of
PLUMBERS
- Profession: craft or trade of plumbing
- Origins: fellowship evidenced in 1365; chartered 1611
- Records: 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall and LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1709 Comb, William (a)
- Son of William of Chisleton, Wilts, yeoman
- Apprenticed to John Smart 29 Dec 1709
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Plumbers’ Company 1571-1800. Vol. 33. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000.
PORTERS: See TACKLEHOUSE AND TICKET PORTERS. See VINTNERS
The Worshipful Company of
POULTERS
- Profession: poultry trade
- Origins: earliest evidence 1274; chartered 1504
- Records: begin 1500s; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: NIL so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Poulters’ Company 1691-1729, 1754-1800. Vol. 18. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Guild of
PUBLIC RELATIONS PRACTITIONERS
- Profession: public relations profession
- Origins: formed in 2000
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
SADDLERS
- Profession: craft and trade of saddlery
- Origins: pre-dates 1160 when the first evidence of Saddlers exist
- Records: 1300s forward
- Findings: none so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Saddlers’ Company (and other companies) 1657-1666,1800. Vol. 12. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
ST. ELIGIUS FRATERNITY OF: See BLACKSMITHS
ST. KATHERINE FRATERNITY OF: See BLACKSMITHS
ST. NICHOLAS FRATERNITY OF: See PARISH CLERKS
ST. SIMON and ST. JUDE FRATERNITIES OF: See SHIPWRIGHTS
The Worshipful Company of
SALTERS
- Profession: salt trade
- Origins: believed to pre-date 1066, first licensed 1394; chartered 1607
- Records: some 1200s, mostly 1600s forward
- Findings: yes
- 1810 George Coombes (a)
- Son of James Coombes of Lower Shadwell, Middlesex, Cooper.
- Apprenticed to John Morley on 7 June 1810.
Note: “The Dictionary doesn’t give any further details on George Coombes, other than that, according to the IGI (International Genealogical Index), he was born in 1796, and died in Mauritius in 1872” 1
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Salter’s Company Archivist 1 ; Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENT MAKERS
- Profession: foster the craft of scientific instrument making
- Origins: formed in 1955; letters patent in 1956
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
SILVER WIRE DRAWERS: See GOLDE & SILVER WYRE DRAWERS
The Worshipful Company of
SCRIVENERS
- Profession: early history mainly concerned with the control and practice of writing legal documents in London
- Origins: chartered 1617
- Records: 1300s forward; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
CHARTERED SECRETARIES & ADMINISTRATORS
- Profession: support of professional education in the field of Chartered Secretaryship
- Origins: formed 1976; granted livery 1977
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
SECURITY PROFESSIONALS
- Profession: the profession of security practitioners
- Origins: TBD
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
SHIPWRIGHTS
- Profession: shipwrights or maritime industry
- Origins: existed prior to 1199; earliest reference 1387; livery in 1782, no charter
- Records: some 1400s, mostly 1600s; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
Note the following from the website:
- By 16th century, and probably much earlier, the Shipwrights’ Company had become an association for the proprietors of the private shipyards on the north bank of the Thames below the City, in Blackwall for example. Such men had been trained as craftsmen, but were no longer “on the tools”.
- By the late 18th century some 60% or more of all craftsman shipwrights in Great Britain were Crown employees in the Royal Dockyards of Deptford, Woolwich, Sheerness, Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. See additional notes from the website for genealogical purposes.
The Worshipful Company of
SILK THROWERS (no website)
- Profession: silk throwing
- Origins: chartered in 1629
- Records: not extant
- Findings: unknown
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: City Livery Companies and Related Organizations. Guildhall Library Research Guide 3. Guildhall Library. 3rd ed 1989.
The Worshipful Company of
SKINNERS
- Profession: fur trade
- Origins: chartered 1327
- Records: TBD; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company;
The Company Beadle has indicated they do not have an archivist and all original records are at the Guildhall. The past 20 years of records in their database do not indicate any COMB-COOMBS members as of September 2009.
See also VINTNERS
SOAPMAKERS Company
- Profession: craft of soapmaking
- Origins: chartered 1606/7?
- Records: unknown except for charter
- Findings: NIL so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: City Livery Companies and Related Organizations. Guildhall Library Research Guide 3. Guildhall Library. 3rd ed 1989.
The City of London
SOLICITORS Company
- Profession: members must practise or have practised as a solicitor within one mile of the Bank of England or at Canary Wharf; Affiliate membership extended to include overseas lawyers in the City, barristers, the judiciary and Fellows of the Institute of Legal Executives; corporate membership also allowed
- Origins: founded 1908; granted livery 1944; Royal Charter 1958; related organizations include the City of London Law Society
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
SPECTACLE MAKERS
- Profession: earlier spectacle making, later optics and has combined with the British Optical Association and the Scottish Association of Optometrists in 1980 to found what is now the College of Optometrists
- Origins: chartered 1629
- Records: 1600s forward
- Findings: Yes
- 1744/5 Coombs, Oliver (master)
- Hincloe, Samuel (a)
- Son of John of St. Martin in the Fields, Middlesex, fishmonger
- Apprenticed to Oliver Coombs 4 Oct 1744
- 1750-1752 Coombs, Oliver (master)
- Street, Daniel (a)
- Son of Ann of St. James Clerkenwell, Middlesex, Widow
- Apprenticed to Oliver Coombs 29 Mar 1750
- Turned over to James Tomlinson 5 Oct 1752
- 1776 Coombs, William (a)
- Son of William of Salisbury, Wilts, cheesemonger
- Apprenticed to Robert Walker 29 Aug 1776
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Spectaclemakers’ Company (and another company) 1666-1800. Vol. 14. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
See also CLOCKMAKERS
SPURRIERS: See BLACKSMITHS
STAINERS: See PAINTER-STAINERS
The Worshipful Company of
STATIONERS AND NEWSPAPER MAKERS
- Profession: industries of print, publishing, paper and packaging, stationery products and now digital media; associated industries include printing, papermaking, packaging, office products, advertising, design, photography, film and video production and publishing of books newspapers, book, periodicals and electronic media, as well as newspaper publishing and digital production
- Origins: Fraternity of Guild of Stationers form in 1403 (booksellers who copied and sold manuscript books and writing materials and limners who decorated and illustrated them); by early 16th century printers joined; chartered 1557
- Records: begin 1550s; available at Company and the LDS Family History Library and in the sources noted at the end of this entry
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
NOTE: The concept of copyright emerged from the efforts of this Company to settle disputes internally.
Sources recommended by the Company for further study:
- Cyprian Blagden’s, The Stationers’ Company: A History, 1403-1959 (London: Allen & Unwin, 1960)
- The Stationers’ Company: A History of the Later Years, 1800-2000,edited by Robin Myers (London: Worshipful Company of Stationers & Newspaper Makers, 2001)
- Robin Myers’s, The Stationers’ Company Archive: An Account of the Records, 1554-1984 (Winchester: St Paul’s Bibliographies; Detroit: Omnigraphics, 1990) contains a glossary and details of many relevant scholarly books and articles on the Company
- Researchers may also wish to consult the three volumes of Stationers’ Company Apprentices, 1605-1800 by D.F. McKenzie (Charlottesville: Bibliographical Society of the Univ. of Virginia, 1961; Oxford: Oxford Bibliographical Society, 1974-78).
STOCKFISHMONGERS: See FISHMONGERS
STREET AND CORNER PORTERS, FELLOWSHIP OF: See TACKLEHOUSE AND TICKET PORTERS
STRINGERS: See LONGBOWSTRINGMAKERS
SURGEONS: See BARBER
The Worshipful Company of
CHARTERED SURVEYORS
- Profession: promote the profession of surveying
- Origins: received letters patent 1977
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
Society of TACKLEHOUSE and TICKET PORTERS
- Profession: profession of porters
- Origins: fellowship of street and corner porters 1604
- Records: 1600s into1800s; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: City Livery Companies and Related Organizations. Guildhall Library Research Guide 3. Guildhall Library. 3rd ed 1989.
See also FISHMONGERS. See also IRONMONGERS
The Worshipful Company of
TALLOW CHANDLERS
- Profession: formed to regulate oils, ointments, lubricants and fat-based preservatives and to manage candle making using animal fats (tallow); role broadened out to encompass various other domestic goods, until it oversaw products including sauces, vinegar, soap, cheese and herrings; most recently retaining strong links with the lighting and edible oil industries, through various candle manufacturers, FOSFA International (the Federation of Oils, Seeds and Fats Associations). New trade links with the mineral oil industry through BP have been formed.
- Origins: formed in about 1300 by oynters (tallow melters); chartered 1620
- Records: 1500s forward; available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1692 Combes, Miles (a)
- Son of James, citizen and butcher, deceased
- Apprenticed to John Townesend 5 May 1692
- 1725 Combes, Robert (a)
- Son of Robert of Harmondsworth, Middlesex, maltster
- Apprenticed to William Alexander 6 De. 1725
- 1738 Coombes, Thomas (a)
- Son of William of St. Thomas Southwark, Surry, butcher
- Apprenticed to William Kelly 6 Dec 1738
- 1800 Coombs, George (a)
- Son of George of Spitalfields, Middlesex, tallow chandler
- Apprenticed to William Goble 6 Nov 1800
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Tallow Chandlers’ Company 1633-1800. Vol. 39. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2003.
TANNERS: See CURRIERS
TAPSTERS: See INNHOLDERS
The Worshipful Company of
TAX ADVISERS
- Profession: promote the profession of Tax Adviser
- Origins: formed guild of Tax Advisers 1995; letters patent 2005
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
TICKET PORTERS, SOCIETY OF: See TACKLEHOUSE AND TICKET PORTERS
TILEMAKERS OF WESTMINSTER: See TYLERS AND BRICKLAYERS
The Worshipful Company of
TIN PLATE WORKERS
- Profession: craft and trade of tin plate
- Origins: chartered 1670; close trade associations such as the Ironmongers, Pewterers, Horners, Tallow Chandlers and others.
- Records: available thru the Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: Yes
- 1695 Coombes, George (a)
- Son of Thomas of Cerne Abbas, Dorchester, yeoman
- Apprenticed to William Fells 9 Nov 1695
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Tin plate workers’ Company 1666, 1668, 1676, 1681, 1683-1800. Vol. 16. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
See also PEWTERERS
The Worshipful Company of
TOBACCO PIPE MAKERS
- Profession: craft of pipe making
- Origins: chartered 1663
- Records: late 1700s, 1800s
- Findings: Nil so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Tobacco Pipe Makers’ Company 1800. Vol. 14. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1998.
The Worshipful Company of
TURNERS
- Profession: craft of using a lathe
- Origins: earliest evidence 1179/80; Guild of Turners in 1295; chartered 1604
- Records: 1600s -1800s; available thru Guildhall and the LDS Family History Library
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: City Livery Companies and Related Organizations. Guildhall Library Research Guide 3. Guildhall Library. 3rd ed 1989. Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
TYLERS and BRICKLAYERS
- Profession: tiling and bricklaying industries
- Origins: roots in 1400s; chartered 1568
- Records: 1500s forward; available thru Guildhall
- Findings: Nil so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Tylers’ and Bricklayers’ Company 1612-1644,1668-1800.Vol. 2. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997 Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
UPHOLDERS
- Profession: Upholsterers
- Origins: earliest mention as an organized group 1346; chartered 1646
- Records: begin 1600s
- Findings: Yes
- 1704 Combes, Robert (a)
- Son of Andrew of Walton, Surrey, yeoman
- Apprenticed to Charles Williams 6 Dec. 1704
- 1770 Gomb, James (a)
- Son of James of Barnes, Surrey, gentleman
- Apprenticed to William Townsend 4 Jul 1770
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Upholders’ Company 1704,1772.Vol. 19. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.1997 (note that this source contains Freedom Admissions 1698-1773) The London Furniture Makers form the Restoration to the Victorian Era 1660-1840 Sir Ambrose Heal. London:Portman Books ©.1953 (note this source includes 2500 cabinet-makers, upholsterers, carvers and gilders) Website of Company
NOTES: The website states: “A list of the Freedom Admissions of the Company between 1698 and 1803 is given in the paper The Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London by Karin M. Walton published in Volume IX, 1973. A copy may be seen at the Guildhall Library. The Freedom admissions for later years are shown in Freedom Admissions to the Upholders’ Company of London 1804 -1923 which may be seen at either the Guildhall Library or at the Society of Genealogists. Queries about Freedom Admissions outside these dates should be made to John Houston, Archivist, Upholders’ Company via The Clerk.”
The Worshipful Company of
VINTNERS
- Profession: the import, regulation and sale of wine
- Origins: while evidence precedes the Norman Conquest, the earliest record is in the 12th century or 1100s; chartered 1363
- Records: some 1200s, mostly 1300s forward
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
WATCHMAKERS: See CLOCKMAKERS
The Worshipful Company of
WATER CONSERVATORS
- Profession: promotes the development and advancement of the science, art and practice of water and environmental management and the various scientific subjects related thereto
- Origins: 1988 formed; granted livery 1994
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Company of
WATERMEN AND LIGHTERMEN
- Profession: former being concerned with passenger transport on the Thames and the latter with the carriage of goods
- Origins: established in 1555 by an Act of Parliament
- Records: 1600s forward
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
WAX CHANDLERS
- Profession: initially beeswax trade; now modern applications of wax
- Origins: chartered in 1484
- Records: some 1300s, motly 1500s forward
- Findings: NIL so far
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: London Apprentices Wax Chandlers’ Company (and another company) 1666-1800.Vol. 31. Cliff Webb. SOG. ©.2000 (note a register from 1596 is noted, but it is unclear if it was included in this source)
The Worshipful Company of
WEAVERS (the oldest recorded livery company)
- Profession: governance of governing its production, manufacturing and marketing
- Origins: mentioned in 1120 Pipe Roll; chartered 1155; united with Flemish weavers in 1497
- Records: 1500s forward
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
WHEELWRIGHTS
- Profession: craft of wheelmaking
- Origins: formed 1620; chartered 1670
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
See Also COACHMAKERS
WINE PORTERS: See VINTNERS
WIRE DRAWERS: See GOLDE & SILVER WYRE DRAWERS
WIREMONGERS: See PINMAKERS
WIRESELLERS: See PINMAKERS
The Worshipful Company of
WOODMONGERS (no website)
- Profession: held standings or carrooms, where they plied for hire
- Origins: first reference 1375; chartered 1605/06 and absorbed Carmen; abandoned in 1668, resuscitated 1694
- Records: none known to exist
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Guildhall Website and Carmen Website.
The Worshipful Company of
WOOLMEN
- Profession: craft and industry of wool
- Origins: first record 1180; ordinances 1587
- Records: 1500s forward
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: City Livery Companies and Related Organizations. Guildhall Library Research Guide 3. Guildhall Library. 3rd ed 1989. Website of Company
The Worshipful Company of
WORLD TRADERS
- Profession: to represent members of the international trading community in the City of London
- Origins: created 1974; received letters patent 2000
- Records: TBD
- Findings: TBD
SOURCE(s) REVIEWED: Website of Company
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Combs &c. of London
Early Combs &c. of London
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