Traditionally, young men were apprenticed to a Wine Merchant, who, when satisfied that they were competent to practise their trade, made them Freemen. As they became more senior in the Company, they became Liverymen, i.e. they were allowed to wear the Livery of the Company on important occasions. These three categories continue today.
Current Membership |
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The Livery | The Freedom | Total | 300 | Total | 186 | Active | 241 | Active | 144 | Supplementary | 58 | Supplementary/Reserve | 42 |
The Freedom
There are three methods of entry into the Company as a Freeman:
Patrimony Sons and daughters of members of the Company, born after their parent's admission, may join the Company by right, providing that they have reached the age of 21 Redemption This is an entry route for those who donot qualify through Patrimony, and is almost exclusively reserved for inviting Wine Merchants to join the Company. Candidates must be recommended by 4 Liverymen, 2 of whom must be Court Members, and who must know the candidate personally. Entry is not guaranteed. Servitude Candidates between the ages of 19-21 may be apprenticed to a practising Wine Merchant, and, after 5 years, and providing that they are joining the wine trade, will be considered for membership. Supplementary/Reserve These are Liverymen and Freemen who have been removed from the active list or who are waiting to join it.
All candidates are interviewed before being invited to Company events.
The Livery
Each year, a number of Freemen are elevated, after interview, to the Livery. The Livery is divided into four groups, by age, and are invited to dinners in those groups.
Ladies
Ladies are eligible for both the Freedom and Livery.
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