Worshipful Company of Grocers
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The Worshipful Company of Grocers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London.
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[edit] History
It was founded in the twelfth century as the Guild of Pepperers. In 1376, the Guild became the Company of Grocers of London. In 1428, the Company acquired a Royal Charter.
The Company was responsible for maintaining standards for the purity of spices and for the setting of certain weights and measures. Its members included London's pharmacists, who separated into the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in 1617.
As part of the work of the Worshipful Company, a school was founded in Hackney for the sons of middle class gentlemen. This school, The Grocers' Company School, was handed over to the London County Council and changed its name to Hackney Downs School, which was eventually closed in 1995. These schools had, as their school badge, a camel over a shield with cloves. The Camel and Cloves are remembered to this day by old boys of the school through the Clove Club (their alumni).
[edit] The Grocers' Company today
Today, the Grocers' Company exists as a charitable and ceremonial institution. It is responsible for the maintenance of Oundle School and The Elms School (founded 1614), and is represented on the council of University College School. In the order of precedence for Livery Companies, the Grocers' Company ranks second, after only the Mercers' Company, making it one of the "Great Twelve City Livery Companies". The Company's motto is "God Grant Grace".
[edit] Trivia
It is said that the Grocer's Company used to be first in the order, until Queen Victoria found herself in procession behind the Grocer's camel which was emitting unfortunate smells. As a result, the Mercers were promoted.
