The Records of London's Livery Companies Online project is a partnership between the Centre for Metropolitan History, The Bowyers' Company, The Clothworkers' Company, The Drapers' Company, The Founders’ Company, The Girdlers' Company, The Goldsmiths' Company, The Mercers' Company, The Musicians' Company, The Salters' Company, The Stationers' Company and The Tallow Chandlers' Company.
The aim of ROLLCO is to provide a fully searchable database of Livery Company membership over time, including the records of Apprentices and Freemen in the City of London Livery Companies between 1400 and 1900. Searches can be made for individuals within the Companies' membership, with results available to download and save. Currently the database includes information about apprenticeship bindings and freedom admissions for ten of London's Livery Companies, with the records of further Companies to follow.
The Livery Companies of the City of London originate from the medieval
trade guilds which were established to regulate particular crafts.
Guilds supervised the training of apprentices, controlled standards of
craftsmanship, and protected craftsmen from unfair competition. They
also provided financial support to their members in old age and in times
of poverty and bereavement.
ROLLCO is a not-for-profit project, and access is free to all.
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