Our Beginnings
The Livery Companies of the City of London trace their origins to the medieval trade guilds. These guilds regulated crafts and trades, trained apprentices, protected standards, supported members in hardship, and played an important part in the civic and religious life of the City.
The Worshipful Company of Firefighters began as the Guild of Firefighters, founded in 1988 by Gerald Clarkson, our Father of the Company. The Guild was recognised by the City of London on 13 June 1988 and began its journey towards full Livery status.
On 13 June 1995, the Guild became a City Company without Livery. On 23 October 2001, the Court of Aldermen granted Livery status, and the Company became known as the Worshipful Company of Firefighters. We are the 103rd Livery Company of the City of London.
Livery status is granted only after careful enquiry by the Court of Aldermen. A Company must demonstrate permanence, sound governance, charitable funds, and that its aims do not conflict with those of existing Companies.
The Company was granted its Royal Charter by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 11 December 2013. The Charter was formally presented by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Alan Yarrow, on 27 February 2015 at Insurance Hall, our first home.
Today, the Company supports the fire and rescue community, promotes professional fellowship, encourages education and development, and contributes to the civic life of the City of London. Its Charitable Trust operates separately, supporting causes connected with the fire community, including fire cadets, burns treatment, heritage preservation, memorial work, and firefighter welfare.