The Company
The records of the City of London Corporation show that on 27th March 1356, in the 30th year of the reign of Edward III, the Mayor, Henry Pykard, summoned before him all the Farriers of the City to deal with the many offences and damages which had been committed by "people not wise therein" who kept forges in the City and meddled with practices which they did not understand, to the greater detriment of the horse. The Mayor ordered the choosing of two Wardens who were given full power to oversee and govern the trade and to deal with any default.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the Worshipful Company of Farriers is as influential in the development of farriery as it has ever been in its long history.
In 1975 the first Farriers Registration Act passed as law and it was affirmed that the Company should have the general functions of securing adequate standards of competence and conduct among farriers and the duty of promoting, encouraging and advancing the art and science of farriery' and education in connection with farriery.
In 1983 Her Majesty the Queen granted the Company a Supplemental Charter designed to bring up to date the powers and duties conferred by the original Charter granted in 1674 by King Charles II.
Through the vitality of the craft and the adaptability of the Company, there is therefore an unbroken link between the Company of today and the "Citizens and Farriers of London" incorporated as a Fellowship within the City in 1356.
In July 1691 the Company petitioned the Court of Aldermen to be re-established as one of the Livery Companies of the City of London and this was granted in June 1692.
The Company then had status as a Livery Company as distinct from a City Guild and remains proud to play its part in the constitution and life of the City.
Its involvement over the centuries with the evolution of the farriers' craft is evident from a simple listing of the activities for which it bears a major responsibility today. It assists apprentices; encourages and gives prizes for shoeing competitions; examines for the Diploma that entitles farriers to statutory registration and for two higher qualifications, namely the Associateship and the Fellowship.
It holds seminars for practising farriers and assists and supports other bodies undertaking farriery educational exercises and encourages research on matters in the farriery field.
The Company is justly proud in combining its interest in the modern craft of farriery with its history of involvement in the City.
The Worshipful Company of Farriers is number 55 on the register of the City of London Livery Companies.