Worshipful Company of Feltmakers

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The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London. The first reference to Feltmakers is in London in 1180. In 1269 the Cappers became officially established. Hurers made shaggy caps and in 1311 the Hatters were active. The Hurers and Cappers amalgamated with the Hatters and then merged with the powerful Haberdashers in 1502. Many feltmakers were already members of the Haberdashers and, as the Haberdashers controlled the retail outlets and the raw materials, this unification seemed sensible. The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is today the Livery Company of the hatters and an active charitable institution.

In 1583 the Feltmakers petitioned Queen Elizabeth I for their own Charter but it was not granted until King James 1 came to the throne and they were incorporated by Letters patent in 1604. In 1667, King Charles II granted an expanded Royal Charter extending their powers.

The Company was granted Livery in 1733, and ranks sixty-third in the order of precedence for Livery Companies.

In 1870-74 many famous politicians joined the Feltmakers. Between them four had been Chancellor, two First Lord of the Admiralty, two President of the Board of trade and two Foreign Secretary.

The hatting trade flourished in the early part of the 20th century. Twenty-seven Mayors were elected in 1914-18. In 1927 there were 9 Knights on the Feltmakers’ Court. During the second half of the 20th century, the trade declined. There are now some 170 Feltmakers drawn from the higher ranks of many professions, businesses and trades as well as the hatting industry. The Feltmakers have produced two Lord Mayors and are flourishing again.

Its motto is Decus Et Tutamen, a Latin phrase taken from Virgil meaning An Ornament and a Safeguard. (The phrase also appears around the milled edge of certain pound coins.)