Page:An Historical Essay on the Livery Companies of London.djvu/15

 they swore to remain unmarried. Gradually this Gild decayed, and in 1552 was dissolved. The Mercers, in the year 1172, held lands granted by Gilbert a'Beckett (Father of the great Archbishop.) A few years later, in 1226, a quarrel took place between the Goldsmiths and Merchant Taylors (then called the Linen Armourers.) Each party—assisted by other Companies—met on an appointed night to the number of 500 men, completely armed, and proceeded to fight manfully. Many were killed and wounded on each side, nor could they be parted until the Sheriffs came and apprehended the ringleaders, thirteen of whom were condemned and executed.

The purposes and functions of the Gilds were manifold; they supported, protected, and regulated trade; preserved trade secrets, and generally watched over the interest of their particular Craft or Fraternity; searching for spurious goods, testing weights and measures, and imprisoning dishonest traders.

The Gilds were of the greatest service to trade in ancient times, they settled disputes between Master and Workmen—they upheld the Apprenticeship system as being the best for producing skilled labour, and meeting at their respective Halls, while they enjoyed the festive board, they discussed business matters, thus fostering the social virtues, and increasing the mutual interest of Master and Workmen.

The Master of the Gild (under the name of Alderman), was for the time being omnipotent; members of the Gild could not leave London without his permission; the apprentices were strictly ruled; they were bound at the age of 14, and having served their seven years, and being of age and good name, they were then sworn and admitted as Freemen. If a man wanted to follow any Craft in the City, or to enjoy any of the benefits of Citizenship, he must belong to a Gild.