242 
The Wardens were inferior officers chosen from among the 
junior members of the company, and who acted as Beadles or 
summoning officers of the Master. 
The Constitutions only provide for one Warden, but from an 
early period two were elected, the junior in one year becoming 
the senior in the next. The fine for refusing to serve was 20s. 
and 6s. 8d. was exacted for failing to take the oath, which ran as 
follows : 
“J, J. D., do swear to observe the form, and keep the lawful 
commandments of the Master for the time being of the Company 
or fellowship of Merchant Tailors of this City, and to do and 
perform all other things for the utility and profit of the said 
company and fellowship of Merchant Tailors, so help, &c.” 
In London the penalty for refusing to be Warden was much 
more severe. 
“ From the Town Clerk’s Office, London.” 
1613, 21 Oct. “This day John Robinson for refusing to take 
11 Jas. T. upon him to be one of the Wardens of the 
Company or to submit himself to pay his fine And 
Clode. for his obstinate and wilfull refusing here in Court 
Page to accept of the aforesaid Office or to yield to pay 
246. his fine was therefore by this Court committed to 
the prison in the Gaole of Newgate there to remain 
untill he shall conforme himself.” 
In Bath Walter Tubb for not doing his duty as Warden in 
1699 was fined 6s. 8d. 
In Bristol a Tailor who had twice been Warden could take 
two apprentices, while a Freeman could only take one, but 
whether such was the case in Bath I cannot say. 
The first three clauses in the Constitutions refer to the Masters 
and Warden, their election and duties. The next clause in most 
of the other Charters relates to the important matter of their 
installation. All Guilds had more or less a religious foundation 
and religious obligations were imposed upon their members. 

