Worshipful Company of Shipwrights
Encyclopedia
The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is one of the Livery Companies
of the City of London
.
The Shipwrights' Company has not, unlike other Livery Companies, ever received a Royal Charter
; instead, it is considered incorporated "by prescription" because the body had for a long time (since the twelfth century) used this title. By contrast a Royal Charter was issued in 1612 to the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redriff in the County of Surrey: i.e., Rotherhithe
. This led to a dispute about jurisdiction between the two companies, which was resolved in 1684 when the Rotherhithe charter was canceled.
The Company was granted its Livery in 1782. Although the Company is no longer a trade association
for members of its specific trade (namely shipbuilding
) it continues to maintain close links with the maritime industry. Whilst sons and daughters of members can join as Freemen of the Company, only those with a professional maritime background (military or commercial) may become Liverymen.
The Shipwrights' Company supports maritime research and numerous charities
; it also enjoys strong links with the Royal Family
, several members of which are members ; Prince Charles was installed on 10 May 2011 as Prime Warden for 2011-12, after which he will take over from his father (Prince Philip) as Permanent Master
of the Company.
The Company ranks fifty-ninth in the City Livery Order of Precedence
, and its motto is Within The Ark Safe For Ever.
Livery Company
The Livery Companies are 108 trade associations in the City of London, almost all of which are known as the "Worshipful Company of" the relevant trade, craft or profession. The medieval Companies originally developed as guilds and were responsible for the regulation of their trades, controlling,...
of the City of London
City of London
The City of London is a small area within Greater London, England. It is the historic core of London around which the modern conurbation grew and has held city status since time immemorial. The City’s boundaries have remained almost unchanged since the Middle Ages, and it is now only a tiny part of...
.
The Shipwrights' Company has not, unlike other Livery Companies, ever received a Royal Charter
Royal Charter
A royal charter is a formal document issued by a monarch as letters patent, granting a right or power to an individual or a body corporate. They were, and are still, used to establish significant organizations such as cities or universities. Charters should be distinguished from warrants and...
; instead, it is considered incorporated "by prescription" because the body had for a long time (since the twelfth century) used this title. By contrast a Royal Charter was issued in 1612 to the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redriff in the County of Surrey: i.e., Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe
Rotherhithe is a residential district in inner southeast London, England and part of the London Borough of Southwark. It is located on a peninsula on the south bank of the Thames, facing Wapping and the Isle of Dogs on the north bank, and is a part of the Docklands area...
. This led to a dispute about jurisdiction between the two companies, which was resolved in 1684 when the Rotherhithe charter was canceled.
The Company was granted its Livery in 1782. Although the Company is no longer a trade association
Trade association
A trade association, also known as an industry trade group, business association or sector association, is an organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry...
for members of its specific trade (namely shipbuilding
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is the construction of ships and floating vessels. It normally takes place in a specialized facility known as a shipyard. Shipbuilders, also called shipwrights, follow a specialized occupation that traces its roots to before recorded history.Shipbuilding and ship repairs, both...
) it continues to maintain close links with the maritime industry. Whilst sons and daughters of members can join as Freemen of the Company, only those with a professional maritime background (military or commercial) may become Liverymen.
The Shipwrights' Company supports maritime research and numerous charities
Charitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
; it also enjoys strong links with the Royal Family
Royal family
A royal family is the extended family of a king or queen regnant. The term imperial family appropriately describes the extended family of an emperor or empress, while the terms "ducal family", "grand ducal family" or "princely family" are more appropriate to describe the relatives of a reigning...
, several members of which are members ; Prince Charles was installed on 10 May 2011 as Prime Warden for 2011-12, after which he will take over from his father (Prince Philip) as Permanent Master
Master
Master or Masters are terms denoting some kind of rank or status, and may refer to:-Ranks and titles:* Master craftsman in the Medieval guilds* Master , a title...
of the Company.
The Company ranks fifty-ninth in the City Livery Order of Precedence
Order of precedence
An order of precedence is a sequential hierarchy of nominal importance of items. Most often it is used in the context of people by many organizations and governments...
, and its motto is Within The Ark Safe For Ever.