Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths

First mentioned in a Court record of 1299,[1] London's blacksmiths evolved from a religious fraternity into a guild before being granted the status of a Company by Royal Charter in 1571.

The Blacksmiths' Company originally determined trade regulations and standards from the City, but their rights gradually diminished as London expanded outwards.

By the end of the eighteenth century, little remained of its former powers and so the Company did not the renew the lease of Blacksmiths' Hall which expired in 1785.

The Company provides judges and prizes at County Shows throughout the UK, and maintains a charitable trust making donations, principally in support of apprentice blacksmiths.

Ranking fortieth in the order of precedence of City Livery Companies, its motto is By Hammer and Hand All Arts Do Stand.