Drapers' Company

Founded over 600 years ago, the Drapers’ Company was from the first a benevolent institution helping its members who fell into distress. Whilst its earlier involvement in the woollen cloth trade, from which it took its name, has ceased, the Company continues to preserve its heritage and maintain the traditions of friendship and hospitality. The principal role of the Drapers’ Company today is the administration of the many Charitable Trusts that have been left in its care over the centuries. It acts as Trustee for almshouses with some 200 residents and has strong links with a number of schools, supports a miscellany of charitable institutions and annually makes grants for the education and welfare needs of hundreds of people. The Company also manages the Hall’s catering business thereby providing for the comfort, convenience, refreshment and enjoyment of all who use the Hall. This activity enhances the Company’s capacity to further its charitable work. The Drapers’ Company continues to play a role in the life of the City: its Liverymen carry out important functions in the elections of the government of the City of London and certain of its officers