Welcome to the Merchant Taylors' Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London. Livery Companies, or Guilds as they were previously known, began in mediaeval times as fraternities which were often religious but also there to protect the interests of particular trades. There are now 108 City Livery Companies. Their current activities are mainly charitable although some have retained a trade or industry role. Explore these pages to learn more about the Merchant Taylors' Company.