existence eighty-four years, the Grocers obtained a charter from the king, in the year 1429; and soon after were given the public duty of inspecting and cleansing all the spices sold in London. King Charles II. became their master, and they always dine on the day of his birth, the 29th of May. At the end of his reign, in 1685, they were nearly destroyed by the tyrannical proceedings under which the king tried to seize their charters and abolish their privileges and those of London and other cities. They just managed to survive the horrors of the 'quo warranto,' as this proceeding was called, and joyfully elected William III. master when he came to the throne and made civil liberty once more secure. From this day to our own they have grown richer, while their functions as cleansers and inspectors of spices have slowly become obsolete. Now with much good fellowship and cheerful hospitality they administer charities, do good in other ways and harm to no one; so that all citizens may heartily join in their grace, 'God preserve the Church, the Queen, and the Worshipful Company of Grocers! Root and branch, may it flourish forever!'"

PLATE LXIII

CURRIER'S HALL: GREAT HALL

Such, with slight variations in detail, has been the history of the companies. Each began as a voluntary association, received in the fourteenth century, or later, a charter from the crown, exercised control over its especial trade, was nearly destroyed by Charles II., and has since steadily increased in riches; while, with a few exceptions, changes in the nature of commerce have worn away all its mediæval functions except the happy one of promoting good-fellowship among men.

Membership in one of these companies was originally to be obtained only by going through a period of apprenticeship in its trade and by money payment. In later times, however, the actual apprenticeship became obsolete, so that the companies of London are now, in this respect, practically upon the same basis as ordinary clubs, to which an applicant who possesses the requisite qualifications may be elected upon payment of an admission fee. Places in the membership are also inherited from father to son, and families belong to certain companies for generations. It has also become unnecessary for an applicant to belong to the trade which the guild represents; and indeed only three of the greater companies, the Drapers, the Apothecaries and the Goldsmiths, retain more than a small minority of actual craftsmen among their members.

DETAIL OF CARVING

CHURCH OF S. GIUSTO, LUCCA

TWELFTH CENTURY

With the exception of the public duties and the administration of the charities before mentioned, the only functions of the guilds at present are those of hospitality and good fellowship. The livery companies take it upon themselves to do much of the hospitality of the city of London. They give receptions to royalty and distinguished men; they take large part in such civic festivities as the Lord Mayor's show; they make gifts to the reigning family upon their marriages, and the fame of their city dinners has passed into a proverb. The same writer from whom we have just quoted thus describes one of these guild