Worshipful Company of Shipwrights

Worshipful Company of Shipwrights

Within The Ark Safe For Ever
Location:	c/o Ironmongers' Hall, Barbican, London EC2Y 8AA
Date of formation:	1782
Company association:	Shipbuilding / maritime industries
Order of precedence:	59th
Master of company:	HRH The Prince of Wales
Motto:	Within The Ark Safe For Ever
Website:	www.shipwrights.co.uk

The Worshipful Company of Shipwrights is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London.

The Shipwrights' Company has not, unlike other Livery Companies, ever received a Royal Charter; instead, it is considered incorporated "by prescription" because the body had for a long time (since the twelfth century) used this title. By contrast a Royal Charter was issued in 1612 to the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redriff in the County of Surrey: i.e., Rotherhithe. This led to a dispute about jurisdiction between the two companies, which was resolved in 1684 when the Rotherhithe charter was canceled.

The Company was granted its Livery in 1782. Although the Company is no longer a trade association for members of its specific trade (namely shipbuilding) it continues to maintain close links with the maritime industry. Whilst sons and daughters of members can join as Freemen of the Company, only those with a professional maritime background (military or commercial) may become Liverymen.

The Shipwrights' Company supports maritime research and numerous charities; it also enjoys strong links with the Royal Family, several members of which are members ; Prince Charles was installed on 10 May 2011 as Prime Warden for 2011-12, and was appointed Permanent Master of the Worshipful Company on 16 Feb 2012, succeeding his father, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, in this role.

The Company ranks fifty-ninth in the City Livery Order of Precedence, and its motto is Within The Ark Safe For Ever.

External links

• The Shipwrights' Company