Trade in Early Modern London: Livery Company Records, 1450-1750

Trade in Early Modern London: Livery Company Records, 1450-1750 is a collection of digitized primary sources, including all extant court minute books and wardens' account books, from six of London's principal livery companies. Some supporting records have also been selected from each company, including ordinances, charters, ledgers, and other financial records. Where indexes or handwritten transcripts exist for the court minutes or wardens' account books, these have also been included. Trade in Early Modern London includes materials from these 6 livery companies: 

• Drapers' Company 
• Fishmongers' Company 
• Goldsmiths' Company 
• Merchant Taylors' Company 
• Skinners' Company 
• Vintners' Company 

Livery companies, trade guilds that originated in medieval London, oversaw specific trades and protected the interests of their member. Livery companies became influential in London's civic life, taking on charitable, educational, and ceremonial roles. This collection shows how livery companies responded to major historical events, including the Reformation, the English Civil War, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London.