Leathersellers Company

The Leathersellers’ Company is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London, ranked fifteenth in the order of precedence. It was founded by royal charter in 1444 with authority to control the sale of leather within the City. The Company no longer has this regulatory role, and instead devotes its energies to support for charity, education and the British leather trade.

The Leathersellers’ Company is made up of 150 liverymen and a variable number of freemen. There are three main routes into the freedom: by apprenticeship, patrimony (i.e. if the candidate’s parent is a member) or by purchase at the Company’s invitation. Freemen are eligible for election onto the livery, and once on the livery, a member may be invited to serve higher office within the Company.