Worshipful Company of Butchers

The Worshipful Company of Butchers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, England. Records indicate that an organisation of Butchers existed as early as 975; the Butchers' Guild, the direct predecessor of the present Company, was granted the right to regulate the trade in 1331. The Butchers' Guild was incorporated by Royal Charter centuries later, in 1605. The Butchers' still, unlike other Livery Companies, continues to exist as a trade association for members of the industry, instead of evolving into an institution primarily dedicated to charity. However, the Company does contribute, like all Livery Companies, to various charities.

The Company ranks twenty-fourth in the order of precedence of City Livery Companies. The Company's motto is: Omnia Subiecisti Sub Pedibus, Oves Et Boves, from the Book of Psalms and Latin for: Thou Hast Put All Things Under Man's Feet, All Sheep and Oxen.

The Company's headquarters is at Butchers' Hall. The Butchers' has had several halls throughout its history; the first was located in Monkwell Street and dated from the second half of the 15th century. The next Hall near St Bartholomew's Hospital was destroyed in the Great Fire of London of 1666, together with forty three other Livery Company Halls. Its successor in Pudding Lane (1667–77) was again burnt down, rebuilt in 1829-30 and compulsorily purchased by an Act of Parliament in 1882. A new Hall was built at the present site in Bartholomew Close (1884–85), which was bombed in both world wars: 1915 and again in 1944. The Company's present Hall dates from 1960.

HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the Company in March 1976, continuing a link with the Monarchy that started with King James I in 1605; she took a constant interest in "Her Butchers". Following the Queen Mother's death in March 2002, her granddaughter, HRH the Princess Royal was admitted to the Honorary Freedom of the Company (February 2003). Like the Queen Mother, the Princess Royal takes a keen interest in Company affairs, currently serving as its Master (2011–12).

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