- What is the Drapers’ Company?
The Drapers’ Company is a Livery Company in the City of London. Its main role today is to manage its investments and be the trustee of the charitable trusts that have been left in its care over the centuries. The Company also manages a thriving catering business. The Company’s roots go back to the 13th century, when as its name indicates, it was involved in the drapery trade, but has evolved acquiring a new relevance.
- Is the Company still involved in the drapery trade?
The Company’s involvement in the drapery trade started to reduce in the 17th century as the trade moved out of the City of London and livery companies’ powers of regulation declined. The Company is now seeking to restore links with the textile industry through its support of technical textiles.
- How long has the Company owned a Hall?
The first Drapers’ Hall was built in the 15th century in St Swithin’s Lane. It bought a Hall on the present site in Throgmorton Street in 1543 from King Henry VIII for £1,200 (about £350,000 in today’s money).
- What is the Company’s connection with Thomas Cromwell?
The Hall that the Company purchased from King Henry VIII in 1543 had been the private residence of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex until his execution in 1540, when it was confiscated by the Crown.
- Can I apply for charitable funding?
You are welcome to apply for funds from the following Drapers’ Company trusts:
The Head of Charities will be happy to provide further details:
Head of Charities
The Drapers’ Company
Drapers’ Hall
Throgmorton Avenue
London
EC2N 2DQ
- Can I apply to live in a Drapers’ Company almshouse?
Yes if you are eligible, but please note there is a waiting list. The Drapers’ Company is trustee of three London-based almshouses:
• Edmanson Jolles and Pemel’s Almshouse Charity, Tottenham
• Queen Elizabeth’s College and Lambard House, Greenwich
• John Walter’s and Ann Mills’ Foundation, Southwark
For more information and an application form, please contact:
Hanover Housing
South East Region
Hanover House
1 Bridge Close
Staines
Surrey
TW18 4TB
- Can I become a member of the Drapers’ Company?
Both men and women are eligible to become members of the Drapers’ Company. Once admitted to the Freedom, they are known as Freemen and are entitled to apply for the Freedom of the City of London.
Find out more about how to become a member.
For enquiries about membership of the Drapers’ Company please contact:
The Archivist
The Drapers’ Company
Drapers’ Hall
Throgmorton Avenue
London
EC2N 2DQ
- Are rooms available to hire at Drapers’ Hall?
Drapers’ Hall offers a selection of spectacular rooms for hire, suitable for a variety of special occasions. Our prices are highly competitive when compared with other central London venues.
The Court Room and Court Dining Room are ideal for smaller gatherings, while the Livery Hall can seat up to 270 for lunch or dinner; serve up to 350 buffet guests; and accommodate up to 450 for a cocktail party.
- Can I visit Drapers’ Hall?
We are happy to arrange tours of our historic building, silver collection and works of art.
For more information about arranging a tour, please contact:
The Beadle
The Drapers’ Company
Drapers’ Hall
Throgmorton Avenue
London
EC2N 2DQ
Tel: 020 7448 1304
Fax: 020 7448 1307
Email: banqueting@thedrapers.co.uk
- Can I consult the archives held at Drapers’ Hall?
The Drapers’ Company holds a unique collection of historic documents in its archives.
We are open to the public for research, Monday - Friday, 10am-4pm. If you wish to visit, please book in advance by contacting the Archivist:
The Archivist
The Drapers’ Company
Drapers’ Hall
Throgmorton Avenue
London
EC2N 2DQ
- Can I consult the Company’s Northern Ireland archives?
The Company’s documents relating to its former estate in Northern Ireland are held at the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). PRONI is currently closed to the public and will reopen at a new address in April 2011. You can register for updates on its website. (http://www.proni.gov.uk/index/contact_us.htm)
- What are the images on the Company's coat of arms?
Repeated three times on the Company’s coat of arms is a device symbolising the Company’s patron saint, the Blessed Virgin Mary. The device features triple crowns sat upon a darkened cloud from which are emanating golden sunbeams.
- Where is Drapers’ Hall?
The Draper’s Company is in the heart of the financial district of the City of London and close to the Bank of England. Public transport links are excellent, with nearby tube services running from Bank, Liverpool Street and Moorgate stations.
There are two NCP car parks close by in Finsbury Square and London Wall, as well as parking meters in Finsbury Circus.