Liveryman

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In Livery Companies within the City of London, a liveryman is a full member of the Company.

Livery Company members fall into two categories: freemen and liverymen. One may join as a freeman, and acquire the "Freedom of the Company", upon fulfilling the Company's criteria. Traditionally, one may be admitted by "patrimony" if either parent was a liverymen of the company, by "servitude" if one has served as an apprentice in the trade for the requisite number of years, or by "redemption", on interaction and payment of a "fine". The Company may also admit individuals as honorary freemen.

Freemen generally advance to become liverymen by a vote of the Court of the Company. Liverymen can vote in the election of the Lord Mayor of the City of London.

[edit] Former Parliamentary Election Rights

Before the Reform Act 1832 the liverymen had the exclusive right to elect the four Members of Parliament representing the City. Between 1832 and 1918 being a liveryman was one of a number of possible franchises which could qualify a Parliamentary elector in the City of London (UK Parliament constituency), as it was a preserved ancient borough franchise under the terms of the 1832 Act. See also City of London (elections to the Parliament of England) for further details of the history of the involvement of liverymen in Parliamentary elections.