Admission to the Freedom
Members become Free of The Company by Patrimony, Patrimonial Redemption or Redemption. Membership is not open to general application.
Contact us to learn more about joining The Company.
Membership of a livery company represents both a privilege and a responsibility. We have nearly 900 members who help us fulfil our civic duties in the City of London and invest thousands of voluntary hours assisting in the management our affairs. Members of the Freedom may seek election to the Livery, and from there may be elected to the Court of Assistants (our governing body).
We foster fellowship among members with invitations to events and requests to act as hosts during special occasions for our military affiliates, grant recipients or other partners and guests. We ask all members to support our charitable activities in the City of London and across our textiles and trusteeship programmes.
Members of The Clothworkers’ Company may also become Free of the City of London, either by Patrimony or Redemption. This is a requirement for those seeking election to the Livery.
By Patrimony
An applicant born after his or her father or mother became Free of The Company may be admitted by Patrimony at the age of 25. Any applicant lawfully adopted by a Freeman of the Company, who was born after his or her adoptive father or mother was admitted to the Freedom of the Company, is also eligible for admission by Patrimony.
The cost of admission, which is not by right, is £360 (including VAT). Applicants must find two ‘Tests’ to attend the Freedom Ceremony to vouchsafe the applicant’s identity. All paperwork related to the application, which includes the production of various original certificates, must be received by four weeks prior to the date of the ceremony. A brief meeting with the Clerk will have been arranged following a candidate’s initial expression of interest.
Freedom Ceremonies take place three times a year, and space is limited to six candidates per ceremony, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
By Patrimonial Redemption
An applicant born before his or her father or mother was made Free of The Company, or whose grandparent was Free of The Company but whose parent was not, may apply to become Free by Patrimonial Redemption at the age of 25. This ultimately involves the approval of the Court. Each applicant must submit a completed application form with supporting documents for initial review by the Clerk.
The cost of admission, which is not by right, is £360 (including VAT). Applicants must find two ‘Tests’ to attend the Freedom Ceremony to vouchsafe the applicant’s identity. All paperwork related to the application, which includes the production of various original certificates, is subject to review by the Clerk and approval of the Court. A brief meeting with the Clerk will have been arranged following a candidate’s initial expression of interest.
Freedom Ceremonies take place three times a year, and space is limited to six candidates per ceremony, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
By Redemption
Admission by Redemption is at the invitation of the Court of Assistants, and for those who have no immediate family connection with The Company. Membership by Redemption is not open to general applications from the public.
The cost of admission is £360 (including VAT).
Freedom Ceremonies take place three times a year and space is limited to six candidates per ceremony, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Election to the Livery
The normal practice is that Members of the Freedom will only be elected to the Livery if, at the date of the relevant Election Court, they are able to demonstrate an understanding of The Company and its affairs, that they are making their way in the world in terms of career and civil responsibilities, and they are likely to be able to make a meaningful contribution to The Company.
Eligible members are invited by the Clerk to apply to a position on the Livery. If successful, members of the Livery are required to pay a one-time fee of £720 (including VAT, either upfront or in installments) upon their election.
Members who gain promotion to the Livery are expected to play a more active role in the life of The Company. We encourage them to exercise their rights in the City of London, participating in the Election of the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs, and to seek elected office on the Court of Common Council or as Aldermen and Sheriffs. Members of the Livery receive more invitations and opportunities to directly participate in the management of The Company’s affairs, sometimes serving on governing committees or the Court of Assistants, to help us maximise all our assets – financial and otherwise – to achieve our charitable and philanthropic objectives.
