s chiefly from Milan. The Salters naturally dealt in
that necessary article of consumption, and conveniently had their
quarters near the Fishmongers. The Ironmongers were both merchants and
traders, having large warehouses and yards whence they exported and sold
bar iron and iron rods, and also had shops for the retail of
manufactured iron goods. The Vintners, or Merchant Wine-Tonners of
Gascoyne, were divided into two classes--the Vinetarii, or importers of
wine, residing in stately stone houses adjoining the wharves; and the
Tabernarii, or keepers of taverns, inns, or cook-houses. The
Clothworkers combined the ancient guilds of the Fullers and Sheermen.

The above twelve companies are styled the Great Companies, and in
addition to these there are sixty-two minor companies, several of which
are less only in name than their greater brethren. In point of numbers
and wealth some are equal to the less opulent of the great companies.
The Armourers, Carpenters, Leather-sellers, and Saddlers are especially
wealthy corporations, and have fine halls, which are scarcely surpassed
by any in the city. Some have no halls and small incomes, but there is
scarcely a company which has not an interesting history, or which does
not have some attractive and interesting historical associations.

[Illustration: BELL (CAST 1463) FROM ALL HALLOWS', STAINING, BELONGING
TO THE GROCERS' COMPANY.]

THE MINOR COMPANIES

The Apothecaries have a charming little hall in Blackfriars, and have
for centuries waged war against unsound medicines and ignorant quacks.
They would not allow anyone to "use or exercise any drugs, simples, or
compounds, or any kynde or sorte of poticarie wares, but such as shall
be pure and perfyt good." Their good work continues. The Armourers' and
Braziers' Company performed useful duties in the days when the lives of
knights and warriors depended on the good and true work of the makers of
armour. They have an interesting modern hall containing a good
collection of their wares. The Bakers' Company is an ancient
corporation, and received its charter in 1307. The Barbers, or Barber
Surgeons, were incorporated in 1461, but they existed at least a century
earlier. They combined the skill of "healing wounds, blows, and other
infirmities, as in letting of blood and drawing teeth," with that of
shaving, and no one was allowed to perform these duties unless he were a
member of the company. In their hall they have the well-known p