The North and South American
continents were named for him.
London merchant guilds began to be identified mainly with
hospitality and benevolence instead of being trading
organizations. Twelve great companies dominated city politics and
effectively chose the mayor and aldermen. They were, in order of
precedence, Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Fishmongers, Goldsmiths,
Skinners, Tailors, Haberdashers, Ironmongers, Salters, Vintners,
and the Clothworkers (composed from leading fullers and shearmen).
The leading men of these guilds were generally aldermen and the
guilds acted like municipal committees of trade and manufactures.
Then they superintended the trade and manufactures of London much
like a government department. They were called Livery Companies
and categorized their memberships in three grades: mere
membership, livery membership, and placement on the governing
body. Livery members were distinguished by having the clothing of
the brotherhood [its livery] and all privileges, and proprietary
and municipal rights, in the fullest degree. They generally had a
right to a place at the Company banquets. They were invited by the
governing body, as a matter of favor, to other entertainments.
These liverymen were usually those who had bought membership and
paid higher fees because they were richer. Their pensions were
larger than those of mere members. Those with mere membership were
freemen who had only the simple freedom of the trade.
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