The Worshipful Company
of
Tylers and Bricklayers

An Introduction to the Company

The Company welcomes expressions of interest in Membership from men and women who share its objectives:

* Upholding the traditions of the City of London

* Providing its members with opportunities, both formal and informal, for fellowship and entertaining guests

* Encouraging and rewarding excellence in the crafts of bricklaying, applied all and floor tiling and roof tiling and slating

* Supporting a range of craft-related and other charitable causes

A Brief History

The earliest reference to the Company is in 1416 though records show that a Guild representing the crafts was in existence well before that time. The Company’s Charter was granted in 1568. A City Ordinance of 1570 defined its area of control as being within a radius of 15 miles of the City.

The Company flourished initially with brick and tiles being used in place of timber and thatch. The Great Fire of 1666 led to a Royal Proclamation requiring their use. The rebuilding programme was beyond the capacity of Company members; craftsmen flocked in from elsewhere and the monopoly was broken. The succeeding years saw a continuing reduction in the influence and fortunes of the Company which nonetheless retained ownership of a hail until the end of the 19th century and almshouses in Islington into the second half of the 20th century. Masters and Liverymen of the Company have ensured that it still plays its part in support of the City, its crafts and numerous charitable causes.

The Company ranks 37th in the order of precedence among the City of London Livery Companies. Two of its liverymen have served as Lord Mayor of London.

Fellowship and Social Activities

A range of social and educational events are arranged which allow members, their wives and guests the opportunity of dining in some of the City’s finest Livery halls and of visit ing some of its greatest and historic institutions.

Membership

Members of the Company are drawn from a very wide range of backgrounds. Applications are welcomed not only from those with family, craft or professional links with the Company but also from anyone, working in the City or elsewhere, or retired, who wishes to support and uphold the objectives of the Company set out on the cover.

Support for the Crafts

The Company has always taken a special interest in those training for its crafts. It awards prizes for excellence achieved by students on courses at vocational colleges and in The Corps of Royal Engineers, the Company’s link regiment, and also for success in craft competitions such as Skillbuild. It is actively involved in a scheme leading to the revived qualification of Master Craftsman. Every three years the Company makes awards in each of its crafts to buildings or projects completed in that period.

Charitable Activities

Historically, the Livery Companies have supported a wide spectrum of charitable causes; the Company has established two trust funds to enable it to play its part in such work. All members are expected to contribute to the Charitable Trust and the Craft Trust which support , among other causes, children’s education and sponsorship of academic and craft prizes.