The Worshipful Company of Mercers is the premier Livery Company of the City of London and ranks first of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies being incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1394. The Company's aim was to act as a trade association for general merchants, especially exporters of wool and importers of velvet, silk and other luxurious fabrics (mercers), but by the 16th century many members of the Company had lost any connection with the original trade and today, the Company exists primarily as a charitable institution.
The Worshipful Company of Mercers is the premier Livery Company of the City of London and ranks first of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies being incorporated under a Royal Charter in 1394. The Company's aim was to act as a trade association for general merchants, especially exporters of wool and importers of velvet, silk and other luxurious fabrics (mercers). By the 16th century many members of the Company had lost any connection with the original trade and today, the Company exists primarily as a charitable institution. The first Mercers' Hall on Cheapside was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The second Hall, designed by Edward Jarman and John Oliver, opened in May 1676 and extensively refurbished during the period 1877 to 1881 with the interiors were redesigned by John Gregory Crace, the renowned Victorian designer. The Hall was destroyed by fire in 1941 during the Blitz. The third and present Mercers' Hall was opened in May 1958.
Size: 3571px × 4860px
Location: Mercers' Hall, London, UK
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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