Mayfair - A Potted History

For many the name Mayfair is instantly recognisable as the most expensive property on a UK monopoly board and, to a large extent as a result of that association, it is considered one of, if not the, most prestigious areas of London. In reality, it does a good job of living up to that billing and is home to some of the wealthiest commercial and private inhabitants in London, but how did it all come about.

The May Fair

The area of London that we now know as Mayfair, was until the late 16th century farmland on the banks of the old River Tyburn, on the fringes of the city. As may seem obvious, the name of the area was derived from a fair that was held on the site every May and which ran for almost a hundred years from the late 17th century onwards. The fortnightly fair began life in Shepherd Market as a livestock market but later evolved into a broader proposition with a variety of trade stalls and entertainments such as jugglers and theatre.

However, as it grew it attracted more and more 'undesirables' whilst, at the same time, the area surrounding the fair was increasingly being built upon and gentrified as a result of its position on the outskirts of the city as well as its proximity to the royal estates. The fair and the area's new Georgian residents therefore made uneasy bedfellows and in 1764 the fair was moved to Fair Fields in Bow following complaints from the locals.

The Urbanisation of Mayfair

Consequently, the transition of Mayfair from a rural area to an urban district coincided with the decline in fortunes for the fair. From the mid 17th to 18th centuries the streets replaced the fields with the names of many still harking back their original uses - the most obvious example being Shepherd Market where it all began. The urbanisation was driven by local and wealthy land owners such as the Grosvenor family (later to become the Dukes of Westminster) as well as the Royal family (indeed much of the area has in fact remained in crown possession to this day) and so the new streets were filled with sumptuous Georgian mansions and townhouses which were sought after by London's elite.

Mayfair's streets spread to fill some of London's prime real estate; leading off the grand Regents Street to the east and filling the space between the royal parks and estates of Hyde Park to the west and Green and St James parks to the south with their royal palaces. The area became part of the traditional parish of St Martin-in-the-Fields - a parish of central and west London, encompassing the city of Westminster - and with that location, combined with the its fashionable buildings and architecture, its allure was guaranteed to the present day.

Modern Mayfair

Mayfair is now synonymous with elite London, home to the rich and the powerful and it has gained this reputation for good reason - not just due to its prime location on a monopoly board! Situated within the city of Westminster and surrounded by the royal estates to the south and west, it is also bordered by the up-market Marylebone to the north and the commercial and entertainment hearts of London, Oxford Street, the west end and Soho just to the east, making it an incredibly convenient as well as prestigious place within the capital to live.

However, most of the area is actually non-residential. It is home to a good proportion of London's high-end commercial premises with some of the most exclusive shopping in the world. Savile Row, the world famous street of bespoke tailors is found to the east of Mayfair as is the most definitive street of high-end fashion shops (clothing, jewellery and art etc) in the country, Bond Street, with its unrivalled portfolio of designer brands.

In addition, Mayfair is the location of high profile foreign embassy offices, with the most obvious example being the US embassy in Grosvenor Square, as well as cultural hots spots such as the Royal Academy of Arts. Due perhaps to its location, architecture, fashion and cultural offerings and prestige the area also contains most of the top hotels in the capital with names such as the Dorchester and Claridges.

With all these delights on offer, the brand of Mayfair has never been stronger and it continues to be known all over the world. From humble beginnings it is now one of most desirable places to live not just in the UK, but Europe and beyond.

© Stuart Mitchell 2012

If you are keen to find out more about living in West London then visit Estate Agents Mayfair.

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The Unique History of London Livery Companies

Livery companies are a wonderful part of London history that still continues to this day. Liveries are later manifestations of the early guild system, where craftsman and traders would organize and agree on certain work and product standards. In pre-Norman times groups and agreements were informal, but as commerce grew and the need to standardize became important, more formal institutions were created.

The benefits of these institutions were for both the craftsman and the citizens. Cooperation and standards meant that low-priced, sub-standard products were not sold to unsuspecting customers. This assures that a quality standard was maintained and that the reputation of the guild stayed intact. It also meant that each person could earn a living wage without fear of being undercut on price.

The first guilds and organizations grew from the very living conditions of the City of London. Craftsman and traders tended to live in close proximity and certain neighborhoods became associated with certain goods and services. There are still reminders of this as one can obviously imagine what goods were sold on Bread Street or Ironmonger Lane, both of which still exist in the City today.

It was in 1155 that the weavers were granted a royal charter by Henry II, formally recognized as The Weavers' Company. This recognition allowed the livery to legally impose rules and standards. If work in a certain industry was found to be wanting, the craftsman could be compelled to bring it up to standard or risk fines, expulsion or being barred from working and selling goods. The livery companies also provided some of the first social welfare by providing for the families of sick workers and providing pensions and taking care of burial fees.

Livery ceremonies are replete with history and pageantry. The leaders and officers wear distinctive dress and regalia and this is thought to be the origin of the term Livery Company. These robes and dress clothes are still part of the ceremonies that go on today. And although many associate livery companies with a bygone age, they are still alive and well in this century. Currently there are 108 livery companies. The latest to gain livery charter is The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals which was recognized in 2008.

The year 1515 is an historic one for livery firms as this is the date The Lord Mayor drew up the list of the Great Twelve. This list was developed to settle disputes and claims of the most prominent liveries. The Lord Mayor created his list based on wealth, however to this day a dispute still reigns. The Merchant Tailor's and Skinners still exchange annually their places at spot six and seven on the list of the Great Twelve.

One of the more visible aspects of London livery companies are their guild halls. In the City there are 38 halls dating from the 17th century with many having survived the Great Fire and the bombings of World War II. The most modern, the Haberdashers Hall was completed in 2002, while the Apothecaries' Hall (located at Black friars) is the oldest. While these are private buildings, there are opportunities to see the interiors. The City of London festival often holds events in many of the halls and some do hold occasion exhibits.

For everything you need for your occasion in London, Event Caterers, to Livery Hall Hire, check out Life's Kitchen.

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History and Origins Of The Livery Companies Of The City

Livery companies began as the first guilds of craftsman, smiths and traders. In their earliest incarnation they were simply informal groups of similarly skilled workman who met to discuss and agree on certain points pertaining to their craft. These agreements covered everything from pricing and wages to product standards and trading area. Their mutual cooperation helped assure that each could earn his living without worrying about price cutting or sub-standard goods making their way into circulation, tarnishing the reputation of the group as a whole.

Liveries and other likeminded groups were prevalent all over Europe in pre-Norman days. In the City of London the meetings and get-togethers were natural extensions of these craftsmen living and working in the same close quarters. The reminders of these neighborhoods still exist in current street names like Ironmonger Lane and Bread Street. As these guilds became more formalized, they sought and were granted Royal Charter. The Weavers' Company was granted the first Charter by Henry II in 1155.

These guilds continued to flourish, benefiting members and citizens alike by tightly controlling member trading practices. Those whose work was found to be sub-standard or caught selling goods underweight risked fines or being expelled and forbidden to work in their craft. While this was an exacting practice, the guilds also provided care for members unable to work and provided small pensions and burial services. Guild halls were built for official business, ceremonies and dispute resolution.

The term "livery" was first used in reference to the items a household or official residence needed to supply to employees to live, such as clothing, food, drink and the like. The term eventually became more associated with clothing and distinctive dress. This is how it became linked with guilds; guild members were required to wear unique insignias and robes for ceremonies and functions and came to be known as "livery companies." These distinct robes and clothing insignias are still used today.

At present time there are 108 livery companies. This is a dynamic group and The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals was the most recently chartered livery in 2008. There were 48 livery companies in existence in 1515 and over time some guilds had joined together, whilst other had split. This lead to a number of disputes regarding prominence and importance, so much so that The Lord Mayor settled the matter by establishing an order of preference based on wealth. "The Great Twelve" as the first twelve places are known is also dynamic; a dispute between the Merchant Taylors (tailors) and Skinners (fur traders) resulted in their positions at numbers six and seven to be exchanged annually (some say this is the origin of the phrases "at sixes and sevens").

One of the most beautiful aspects of the City's livery companies is their guild halls. There are 38 in the City of London, dating from the 17th century to the most recent Haberdashers Hall, completed in 2002. Many livery companies offer tours to the public and many also feature exhibitions and events. The City of London Festival takes place in June/July and utilizes some of the halls for events and organizes tours.

Livery Halls make impressive venues for weddings, parties and any type of event. Life's Kitchen specializes in Livery Hall hire and bespoke catering in London.

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