Merchant Taylor’s Door

Sherry Felix

The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors is one of the 110 livery companies of the City of London. Originally known as the Guild and Fraternity of St. John the Baptist in the City of London, was founded prior to 1300. The Company was an association of tailors but by the end of the 17th century it became a philanthropic and social association. They now sponsor and organize the “Golden Shears” competition for aspiring young tailors. Its seat is the Merchant Taylors’ Hall between Threadneedle Street and Cornhill (Financial center of London), a site it has occupied since at least 1347.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worshipful_Company_of_Merchant_Taylors)

The livery companies of the City of London stem from London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds. London’s medieval guilds evolved into corporations responsible for training and trade regulation. During the Middle Ages livery companies had close ties with the Church of Rome (prior to the Protestant Reformation). Most livery companies retain their historical religious associations, now members are free to follow any faith or none.

The reason for the camels on coat of arms, or crest, over the door is because St John the Baptist, the Company’s Patron Saint, wore a garment of camel hair.

Created for Norm’s Thursday Doors February 18

Merchant Tailors Co. 30 Threadneedle Street, London 12/19/2015
Merchant Tailors Co. 30 Threadneedle Street, London 12/19/2015

12 thoughts on “Merchant Taylor’s Door”

  1. the only deadhead in the hameau 2016-02-19 / 5:30 am

    This takes me back. I worked in ‘The City’ for many years and have often been to lunches and presentations at the Merchant Taylors. There is a lovely cloister inside.

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  3. Norm 2.0 2016-02-18 / 9:06 pm

    I love that blue but is it odd that my eyes kept going over to the other wooden door on the left? 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Sherry Lynn Felix 2016-02-19 / 4:09 am

      Drawn to a black hole eh? Reminds me of a show once at the planetarium. A little voice said, when the lights were out, “I don’t want to go in a black hole Mommy.”

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  5. Barbara Bryan 2016-02-18 / 9:22 am

    Thank you for a wonderful little piece of history! Who can forget Threadneedle Street!

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