Civic City

The Civic City – Upholders Company Links with the City of London

Livery Companies are integral to the City of London Corporation’s governance, with over 114 groups supporting trade, education and charity. They hold a unique constitutional role as their senior members (Liverymen) elect The Lady Mayor/The Lord Mayor on Michaelmas Day and The Sheriffs on Midsummer’s Day at Common Hall in the Guildhall . 

All Livery Companies come under an element of control by the City of London’s Court of Aldermen. The Court of Aldermen has the rarely used power to grant new company status, reinforcing their inseparability. To become a new company, a group of people (usually numbering at least 100) must satisfy the Court that they have the resources and willingness to continue their association indefinitely, having already been well established over a long period. In addition to strong ties with the Square Mile, the potential new Company must have a significant number of members engaged in its trade, profession or craft, which must not overlap or clash with that of an existing guild.

Origins and Evolution

  • History: Many Livery Companies date back to the 12th century, with the Weavers Company being the oldest recorded (1155) and the Upholders being incorporated in 1360, ranking at 49 in order of precedence. Lord Mayors who were members of the Upholders Company include William Hunter, 1851/52 and Vincent Keaveny CBE, 2021/22. A recent Aldermanic Sheriff was Upholder Alison Gowman CBE.
  • Modern Purpose: Beyond tradition Livery Companies act as modern philanthropic, educational, and professional networking bodies. They also form groups based on similar trades for mutual benefit, such as the Upholders being members of the Liveries Wood Group (Livery Company Groups). 

Key Connections and Roles with the City of London

  • Governance: Liverymen are responsible for electing the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs in Common Hall at the Guildhall twice a year.
  • Regulation: Whilst historically controlling trades, maintaining standards and regulating training, Livery Companies now focus on professional ideals, charity and education.
  • Ceremonial Duties: Livery Companies play a prominent role in many great occasions. Each year’s United Guilds’ Service in St Paul’s sees the Livery Companies, City of London and the Church joining together for an important ceremonial event, while the Lord Mayor’s Show features spectacular displays by many Livery Companies, particularly those with close links to the new Lord Mayor and the two Sheriffs. 
  • Structure: Livery Companies are formalised through the Livery Committee, which represents them to the Court of Common Council and Court of Aldermen. 
  • Philanthropy: The Livery Committee also produces the Livery Impact Report highlighting the power of collaboration and examples where the 114 Livery Companies and their 45,000 members have worked together and pooled their resource, time, skill and experience for the benefit of shared philanthropic endeavour (The-Livery-Impact-Report-2025-DIGITAL.pdf). In 2024 the annual charitable donations made by City Livery Companies totalled £81 million.
  • Sustainability: Livery Companies support the Livery Climate Action Group to manage the impact on climate change and the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making responsible use of resources (Livery Climate Action Group).
  • Broader Educational Role: In partnership with the City of London, Livery Companies support City & Guilds as well as sponsoring schools and apprenticeships. The Master Certificate Scheme recognises professional skills and experience, including Annual Awards hosted by the Lord Mayor at Mansion House or the Guildhall.