The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is 355 years old. So, why is a livery company synonymous with shoes so popular with built environment professionals in 2025?
Late last year, Rachel Houghton, managing director of Business Moves Group (BMG) and a longstanding Magenta client, became a freeman of the Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers. Soon after, she was given Freedom of the City of London. Rachel joined a growing number of professionals in the built environment to be a Pattenmaker.
What is the Pattenmakers?
The Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers is one of the oldest livery companies of the City of London. The Pattenmakers, who were incorporated by royal charter in 1670 and granted livery status in 1717, were makers of wooden-soled overshoes designed to lift wearers above the grime of the early London streets.
When pattens died out in the nineteenth century, the company went on to represent the wider footwear industry. More than 20 years ago, master Ian Scarr-Hall, lifetime president of GSH, introduced the Pattenmakers to the facilities management world and the livery company now includes a growing number of built environment professionals.
Why join a livery company?
Livery companies encourage fellowship within their communities by:
- offering a range of stimulating and fun events for members
- facilitating the continued success of the associated trades, such as facilities management
- raising funds and providing support for their chosen charities and good causes.
In addition, livery companies play an active part in City life and institutions, maintaining the health and success of these institutions so that future generations may also enjoy them. Today, there are more than 100 livery companies in the City of London which contribute over £75 million to good causes each year.
‘Joining the Pattenmakers allows me to be part of the great heritage of the City of London with all its ancient traditions and customs to enjoy the fellowship of other members and to raise money for good causes,’ Rachel said, as she was made a freeman.
A few weeks later, Rachel went to the Guildhall, together with her supporters – Magenta’s Cathy Hayward and Keith Glennister, CEO of Property Connect Networking – to receive the Freedom of the City in one of the oldest surviving traditional City ceremonies. It is believed to have been first presented in 1237.
Freedom ceremonies take place at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall and include a spoken declaration, signing the Declaration Book and being offered ‘the right hand of fellowship’. After the ceremony, Rachel and her guests joined several other new freeman for drinks in the Guildhall with the Master Pattenmaker, deputy Keith Bottomley.
What does having Freedom of the City actually mean?
In medieval London, the Freedom of the City of London was essential for anyone who wanted to trade in the Square Mile. It gave ‘freeman’ – someone who wasn’t the property of a feudal lord but had the right to earn money and own land – the right to carry out their trade or craft in the City. As such, people eagerly sought the privilege and the obligations were well observed.
A fee or fine would be charged and, in return, livery companies such as the Pattenmakers would ensure that the goods and services provided were of the highest possible standards. As well as the right to trade, freeman had the right to drive sheep and cattle over London Bridge, to carry a naked sword, and to get a free lift home from a police officer if found drunk and incapable – rather than a night in the cells.
Today the practical reasons for obtaining the Freedom of the City have disappeared, but it remains a unique part of the City’s history. Although the free lift home from the Police is no longer a benefit, once a year in September freeman are offered the opportunity to drive a group of bemused-looking sheep over one of London’s bridges – something which Rachel has promised to do.
Find out more about the Pattenmakers here. To learn more about our involvement and work with clients, contact us today.
