The Company’s first Charter was granted in 1394 by Richard II. It provided for the government of the Company by four wardens and enabled the Company to acquire property to support a priest and to maintain poor members.

 

In 1425 Henry VI granted the Company a second charter giving them a common seal and enabling the Company to sue and be sued at law.

 

The charters of Philip and Mary, 1559, Elizabeth I, 1560,and James I, 1612, confirmed the Company’s earlier Charters.

 

In the early 1680s the Crown made a general attack on the liberties of the City and the Companies and in 1684 a writ of Quo Warranto was served on the Company and they surrendered their formal privileges.

 

A new charter was granted by Charles II making the government of the Company subject to the approval of the King. James II was forced to restore the ancient privileges of the city and Companies shortly before the Glorious Revolution. His charter of restitution was dated 23 October 1688 and it was confirmed by William III by Act of Parliament.