Worshipful Company of Mercers

The Worshipful Company of Mercers ( also briefly: Mercers ' Company) is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. It was founded in 1394 by Richard II by royal statute, known as the Royal Charter. Among the 108 companies it is the oldest and is the first place of the ranking. Makes it one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Their motto is Honor Deo ( Latin for Glory to God).

The object of the Company was originally in it, as a guild to protect the interests of merchants, especially those of the fuel marketers, exporters of wool and importers of velvet, silk and other high quality textile goods, and to represent. Today, the Mercers ' Company is a charitable institution that supports various projects in the education sector. It manages the London St Paul's School since its foundation in 1509, and since 1904 the St Paul 's Girls ' School. In addition, numerous other schools were founded by the " Mercer ", to which close links are maintained. More recently, the " Thomas Telford School ", a City Technology College was, and two City Academies, opened the " Walsall Academy" and the " Sandwell Academy".

The Mercers 'Company is based in the Mercers ' Hall in central London. Since its founding in the 14th century, the Company transferred its meetings were first held in the Church " Hospital of St Thomas of Acre " from. 1517 was built in the immediate vicinity of the first " Mercers ' Hall ", which, however, in 1666 the Great Fire of London was destroyed. A second hall was opened ten years later. From 1877 to 1881 it was completely renovated, remodeled and newly furnished in Victorian style. However, this second hall burned down again, this time caused by the German air raids during the Second World War. The current Mercers ' Hall was rebuilt in May in 1958 using old parts of the facade.

In 2006, the Company has published a balance sheet, according to which it manages assets of around £ 450 million, with about three-quarters of real estate make up the total. 2005, about 9 million pounds has been spent on Charitable Giving.

Known members

Livery Company City of London Richard II of England The Blitz High Commissioner (Commonwealth)
829222
de