XXXIV INTRODUCTION. 



THE SKINNERS' COMPANY. 



The Skinners' Company is one of the oldest guilds in 

 the City of London. It ranks sixth or seventh, taking 

 precedence with the Merchant Taylors' Company in 

 alternate years. 



The Skinners' Company was originally a company of 

 furriers or fur-traders, but there is no document from 

 which the date of foundation or particulars about origin 

 can be traced. 



In course of time two other trades the Upholders 

 and the Tawers were absorbed into it. The latter were 

 probably fur- skin dressers. 



According to the Eeport of the Commissioners of the 

 City of London Livery Company's Commission, the 

 first Charter was granted .by Edward III. on March 1, 

 1327. It prevented the selling of old fur for new by 

 skinners or philippars. 



By another Charter granted on February 22, 1437, 

 by Henry VI., the Skinners' Company regulated the 

 exposure for sale of furs, mixing old and new furs, 

 and the scrutinizing of all works, business, and wares 

 in London and suburbs ; also in all places, fairs and 

 markets in England. 



Charles I. seized the lands of the Company, but they 

 were afterwards restored. 



Charles II. granted a further Charter on June 28, 

 1667, which, besides confirming the Company in their 

 property of houses and land, gave them jurisdiction 

 over the manufacture of furs and skins, coney-wool, 

 and the manufacture, cutting, clipping, and dividing the 

 wool from the pelt of coney (rabbit) skins and other 



