The Brewers’ Company is very fortunate in having a substantial archive dating back to its foundation in the Middle Ages. Most of the original records are now deposited on indefinite loan in Guildhall Library (click here for a complete list). Some later records are retained at the Hall. Enquiries concerning the Company’s archives should be addressed by e-mail to the Archivist.
Some of the key records include:
Charters of 1438, 1556, 1560, 1579, 1620, 1639 and 1685
Grants of arms of 1469 and 1545
Court Minutes, 1531-1918 (later ones are kept at the Hall)
Livery lists, 1661-1864
Freedom records 1661-1886 (later ones are kept at the Hall)
Apprenticeship records 1685-1906
Quarterage books, 1682-1899
Memorandum Book of William Porlond, Clerk, 1418-1440
[see the Treasures page for more on this]
Wardens’ accounts, 1502-1750
Benefactors and Wills books, 1509-1742
Lease books and rentals, 1509-1934
Charity records: John Baker’s Charity, 1813-1914
Harry Charrington’s Charity, 1827-1884
Edward Harvist’s Charity, 1851-1855
James Hickson’s Charity, 1611-1932
Philip Jennett’s Charity, 1676
John Newman’s Charity, 1827-1884
Alice Owen’s Charity, 1608-1952
Richard Platt’s Charity, 1538-1927
Samuel Starling’s Charity, 1655-1694
Samuel Whitbread’s Charity, 1796-1929
Records regarding the Company’s Irish Estates, 1836-1898
Deeds regarding property holdings, mainly in London: 1292-1878
The 1438 Charter
The 1579 Charter
Library
The Company has a Library of printed books which may be consulted by Members. A pdf of the Library Catalogue can be downloaded below:
Brewers' Company Library Catalogue
