Brewers' Company Birthday!

22 February 2023 is the 585th birthday of the Brewers’ Company.

Last year our Archivist told us about our first charter, granted on 22 February 1438, explained what a charter is and why they are so important. Rather than repeat ourselves (you can read the article here if you would like a refresh on the details), this year we thought we would celebrate by showing you images of some of our other decorative charters, as over the centuries we have been granted not just one charter, but seven!

We cannot pass by though without showing the Company’s first charter (above), issued in 1438 by Henry VI, which marks the incorporation of the Brewers’ Company. The monarch didn’t sign it – instead it is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm, hanging from cords sewn into the parchment. It is interesting to note that His Majesty King Charles III has not yet had a new seal made and the Great Seal of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II can continue to be used.

Our second charter was issued by Philip and Mary in June 1556. Basically it was a reissue of the previous charter, to confirm and renew its validity under new authority. It has great pen and ink portraits of Philip and Mary in the fancy initial P.

Our fourth charter, and the second issued by Elizabeth I, in July 1579, was worth waiting for – highly decorated in colour and gold, with an illuminated initial letter showing a full length portrait of the Queen enthroned, it extended the Company’s jurisdiction to regulate the market for ale and beer within two miles of the City.

The Company’s sixth charter, and the one under which we operate today, was issued by Charles I in 1639. It begins by reciting all the operative details from previous charters; the main change is to extend the Company’s jurisdiction to four miles from the City. Although just pen and ink (no gold this time) the top border is elaborate and the initial C contains a fine bust portrait of the King, wearing a crown and robes and holding an orb and sceptre.