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On the 3rd November English Democrats Chairman Robin Tilbrook was gowned as Liveryman of one of the Livery companies of the City of London. The ceremony took place in the splendid surroundings of Drapers Hall. Robin was made a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Glovers. The Worshipful Company of Glovers date back to at least 1349 and maintain the tradition of presenting each new monarch with their coronation glove. Livery Company members fall into two basic categories: Freemen and Liverymen. One may join as a Freeman, and thereby acquire the "Freedom of the Company", upon fulfilling the Company's criteria. A traditional mode of entry is to be admitted by "patrimony", in the case of either parent being a member of the company, by "servitude" if one has served as an Apprentice in the trade for a requisite number of years, or by "Redemption" on induction and payment of a "fine". The Company may also admit eminent individuals as Honorary Freemen. Baroness Thatcher was admitted to the Glovers as an Honorary Freeman as an eminent individual. Once made a Freeman of the Company, Freeman are then sponsored by the company to become a Freeman of the City of London. Robin was made a Freeman of the City of London in September of this year. You can read about Robin's admission as a Freeman of the City of London by clicking here. When an individual is made a Freeman of the City of London he or she can then be made a Liveryman of the company. The term 'Livery' originated in the specific form of dress worn to retainers of a nobleman and then by extension to special dress to denote status of belonging to a trade. When a Freeman becomes a Liveryman the candidate is said to be 'enclothed', indeed a 'Livery Gown' is placed on them at the Court and they are seen at the next formal or social occasion wearing it. Thereafter only the Master, Wardens and Assistants in Companies are seen wearing these at Company events. The 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 at formal functions and each Company differs by allowing ladies to wear distinct items subject to occasion, such as a scarf or brooch. Freemen are expected to advance to become liverymen by a vote of the Court of the Company. Liverymen no longer have any local authority franchise in the City, but retain the exclusive right of voting in the election of the Lord Mayor of the City of London (Michaelmas 'Common Hall' 29 September) and for the Sheriffs (Mid-Summer 'Common Hall' 24 June) held in Guildhall as a ceremonial occasion. The votes are made by 'acclamation' subject to 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. Robin said: "I am honoured to have been invited to join a living remnant of an ancient part of English history which also does a great deal of good through its charitable services." For high quality pictures of Robin being made a Liveryman click here or here.
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Robin Tilbrook Gowned as Liveryman
Written by Administrator
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