Welcome to the website of the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London The Worshipful Company of Glovers, in common with many other City Livery Companies, is of medieval origin. It has developed into a modern organisation maintaining close links with the British glove industry, contributing to charities and the education and training of young people, and supporting the traditions of the City of London - an interesting mix of 21st Century business and ancient traditions. Keith Ebsworth, Master

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Company was formed in 1349 by glove makers in London who wished to protect the high standard of their craft. One of the Company ordinances was that no glover should sell his wares by candlelight...."seeing that folks cannot have such good knowledge...whether the wares are made of good leather or bad, and whether they are well and lawfully, or falsely made." In 1498 the Glovers and Pursers amalgamated by grant of the Court of Aldermen, and in 1502 the Glovers-Pursers became incorporated with the Leathersellers. But the Glovers Company regained its independence by grant of a Royal Charter from King Charles I in 1638. Records show that in 1675 the Company owned a Livery Hall which later became a financial burden and was sold - the officers of the Company always preferring to meet in the George and Vulture Tavern, Cornhill. The 20th Century saw a resurgence in the Company's fortunes - it now embraces the best qualities of a fine City institution with an active and enthusiastic membership.  The Livery Companies of London continue to play their part in modern life; the Glovers currently have some 260 members, who are generally connected with the gloving trade or with the City of London, and the aim of the Livery these days is two-fold: to promote the British glove trade, and the wearing of gloves, and to raise money for charitable purposes. THE GLOVE COLLECTION AND ITS CATALOGUE The Company owns a collection of gloves dating over the past five centuries to the present day. The older gloves are kept at the Fashion Museum in Bath with a selection on permanent display to the public. The Collection is fully described in a detailed catalogue with photographs and descriptions of each glove and can be seen at: www.glovecollectioncatalogue.org .....AND FINALLY A well recorded and fascinating account of this ancient Company can be found in "A History of the Worshipful Company of Glovers of London" by Ralph W Waggett (Published by Phillimore 2^nd Edition 2007)