The Worshipful Company of Wax Chandlers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The organisation was established in 1358 by the granting of by-laws and ordinances by the Lord Mayor (John de Stodeye) and Aldermen. New ordinances were issued in 1371. The Company received a Royal Charter in 1484 - one of only two known Royal Charters of Richard III.
The Wax Chandlers, or merchants in beeswax products, were traditionally separate from the Tallow Chandlers; beeswax candles were customary in churches and noble and royal homes, while tallow candles were used in ordinary homes. As is the case with most other Livery Companies, the Wax Chandlers are no longer a trade association of wax candle makers, instead existing as a charitable institution. They are Patrons of the National Honey Show and the British Beekeeping Association. They award an annual Wax Prize to the value of €5000 to support innovation in the design or use of waxes.
The Wax Chandlers' Company ranks twentieth in the order of precedence of Livery companies after the ruling in 1515 of Lord Mayor William Boteler. The Company was granted arms by Sir Thomas Holme, Clarenceux King of Arms on 3 February 1485 and supporters were added in 1530. The Company's motto is Truth Is The Light.
The Company has had a Hall at 6 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7AD since 1501. The current Hall is the sixth and was substantially rebuilt in 1954 after damage during World War II. It has just been refurbished and is available to hire. It may be visited by prior booking during London Open House Weekend. The Hall is looked after by the Company Beadle.
The Company is governed under a Royal Charter of Charles II of 1663 and by ordinances of 1664. It is ruled by Master Wax Chandler and his Upper and Renter Wardens and by a Court of Assistants. These are elected at the Election Court in June and installed ceremonially in office on the first Thursday in August. The Company is administered by its Clerk.