A Brief History
The Worshipful Company of Butchers is one of the oldest Livery Companies of the City of London. The earliest history records that in 975AD in the Ward of Farringdon Without there are divers slaughterhouses and a Butchers' Hall where the craftsmen meet. The Arms of The Company were granted in 1540, the motto being - 'Omnia Subjecisti Sub Pedibus, Oves et Boves'- Thou hast put all things under his feet, all Sheep and Oxen. Our Charter of Incorporation was granted by James I in 1605.
The Butchers' Hall has had many locations, and in 1668 following the Great Fire of London, the Company moved from the Smithfield area to Pudding Lane, where we remained until the site was acquired by an Act of Parliament in 1884. A new Hall was built at our present site in Bartholomew Close thus renewing the links with our original surroundings. We sustained severe damage in both World Wars, and the current Hall was rebuilt in 1960, with considerable refurbishment and improvement taking place in 1996. The Company now provides a first-class venue in which we can properly administer the growing responsibility of Meat Training and Education and many Charitable organisations.
Smithfield
Our connections with the local area remain strong. Many Liverymen started their working life and remain active at Smithfield Market. The oldest church in London still standing, St Bartholomew the Great, is the Company's adopted church and every year is the setting for the Church Service prior to Common Hall. The Butchers' Hall and the Hospital of St. Bartholomew have stood side by side for years forging links that still exist today.
Monarchy and The Commonwealth
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother was admitted an Honorary Freeman of the Company in March 1976 maintaining a bond with the Monarchy that started with King James I in 1605 and took a constant interest in "Her Butchers", lunching with The Court from time to time. Following The Queen Mother's death in March 2002, HRH The Princess Royal was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of The Company in February 2003. As with The Queen Mother, The Princess Royal takes a keen interest in all the activities of The Company. The Company's Commonwealth and international associations are maintained by our granting the Honorary Freedom of the Company to the High Commissioners for Australia and New Zealand.