liveryman

A livery company is a type of guild or professional association that originated in medieval times in London, England. Livery companies comprise London's trade associations and guilds, almost all of which are styled the "Worshipful Company of" their craft, trade or profession. There are 114 livery companies as of February 2026. They play a significant part in the life of the City of London, not least by providing charitable-giving and networking opportunities. Liverymen retain voting rights for the senior civic offices, such as the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City Corporation, London's historic municipal authority with extensive local government powers. The term livery originated in the designed form of dress worn by retainers of a nobleman and then by extension to special dress to deno...