The Livery and Merchants’ Guilds of London — From the Middle Ages to the American Colonies
My ancestors’ roles in trade and colonization
Several of my ancestors were tradesmen and involved in commercial ventures that directly affected the establishment of the American Colonies. But some of their families could trace their merchant roots back hundreds of years.
These ancestors are part of My Lineage from the Roots Up, vol. 2 (Aliconia Publishing, 2023).
The Livery Companies
The Livery Companies of London, of which there are currently more than 100, started as 12 merchant guilds in the Middle Ages. They had ranks of membership, with Wardens and Masters at the top of the hierarchy. I have ancestors who were of various ranks of at least seven of these ancient guilds.
Mercers’ Company
The Mercers’ Company was said to have been started as a Merchant Adventurers company by the Mayor of London in the early 13th century, but it was granted a Royal charter and seal in 1394. At the time of its charter, the company was made up of merchants who sold general goods, managed commerce, or were involved in the export/import trade. Members from my lineage who were members of this guild include John Sturgeon (grain export…
