by Letters Patent by the name of the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Mystery of Cutlers of London, and being united to the Haft and Sheath Makers some time after, their Arms were granted by Clarencieux, King at Arms, 1477. This fraternity is govered by a Master, 2 Wardens, and 21 Assistants, to which belongs a Livery of One hundred and ten Members, who upon being admitted pay a Fine of Ten pounds each. They have a convenient and beautiful Hall in Cloak Lane to transact their affairs in."
ChartersThe Cutlery trade appears to have been carried on originally in three branches.
- —The Forgers of Blades, or Bladers.
- —The Makers of Hafts.
- —The Sheath Makers for Knives, Swords, and Daggers.
These were all incorporated as one united body by King Henry V in the year 1413, by the style and name of "The Master Wardens and Commonalty of the Mystery of Cutlers of London."
The following is a list of the various other Charters which have been granted to the Company, or of confirmations made of existing Charters.
By Henry VI in 1422.
By Henry VHI in 1509.
By Philip and Mary in 1553.
By Queen Elizabeth in 1558.
By James I in 1607.
James II in 1685 revoked all the then existing Charters. In the year 1689, however, William and Mary revoked the last Act of James II, and restored all the privileges granted and confirmed by James I. Queen Anne in 1703 also confirmed all the previous Charters of the Company. Consequently the Charter under which the Company is now governed is that granted by James I in 1607.
This Charter recites that King Henry, after the Conquest the Fifth, having information that by reason of losses that happened to the men of the Mystery of