---
type: Collection Page
title: "The Livery"
description: "London has 110 livery companies, most styled the 'Worshipful Company of' a trade. See what the livery is and where the Saddlers' Company fits in."
resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/the-livery"
tags: [saddlers-company, livery-company, freedom-and-livery, the-livery]
generated: { by: process:saddlers-site-build, at: 2026-10-20T15:16:16Z }
status: stable
sources:
  - id: page
    resource: "https://thesaddlers.org/the-livery"
    title: "The Livery: City of London Livery Companies"
    author: "team:the-saddlers-company"
---
# The Livery

The livery companies of the City of London, currently numbering 110, are London's ancient and modern trade associations and guilds, most styled the 'Worshipful Company of' their trade. The Saddlers' Company is one of them, governed today by a Master, Prime Warden, Wardens and Officers.[^page]

## Origins

Livery companies originated in the 12th century: in 1155 the weavers of the Square Mile were granted the charter to form a guild. Guilds arose as craftsmen who shared trades formed merchant associations to regulate their trade and ensure high standards of quality, with great emphasis placed on the thorough training of apprentices.

By 1515, an order of precedence had been established for the 48 existing liveries, which had by then received royal charters. Many livery halls were destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and during the Second World War, though 39 companies maintain their historic halls today.

## The Wardens Today

The Saddlers' Company is currently led by:

- Perpetual Master: HRH The Princess Royal GCVO
- Prime Warden: Mr Mark Romain MBE
- Key Warden: Ms Alexandra Mackaness
- Quarter Warden: The Revd Canon Andrew Haviland
- Renter Warden: Mrs Frances Roche
- Immediate Past Master: Mr Edward Bullen
- Clerk: Brigadier Philip M.L. Napier OBE
- Beadle and Hall Manager: Mr Keith Marsh
- Chaplain: The Revd Richard Phillips

## Frequently asked questions

### How many livery companies are there in the City of London?

There are currently 110 livery companies, of which 39 still maintain their historic halls.

### Who leads the Saddlers' Company?

The Perpetual Master is HRH The Princess Royal GCVO. The Prime Warden for 2026/27 is Mark Romain MBE, supported by Key Warden Alexandra Mackaness, Quarter Warden The Revd Canon Andrew Haviland and Renter Warden Mrs Frances Roche, with the Clerk, Beadle and Chaplain.

### When did livery companies first appear?

Livery companies originated in the 12th century, with the weavers of the Square Mile granted a charter to form a guild in 1155.

## Related concepts

- [The Livery Movement](/pages/the-livery/the-livery-movement.md)
- [Team and Membership](/pages/the-livery/the-livery-movement/team-and-membership.md)
- [How Do I Join the Livery](/pages/the-livery/the-livery-movement/how-do-i-join-the-livery.md)

[^page]: The Livery: City of London Livery Companies, https://thesaddlers.org/the-livery