The Master's 2010 Charitable Event.

All Feltmakers are urged to come to the Master's Charity Event on Wednesday March 10th. at the Cabinet War Rooms in Whitehall, in support of the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal. An interesting and entertaining evening is promised together with an excellent dinner. To find out more and to download the booking form, click here.

The Feltmakers' annual carol service took place on 10th. December at St. Stephen Walbrook in the heart of the City.

The historic Wren church, St. Stephen Walbrook, welcomes Liverymen, their families and friends for the annual carol service in 2009

The Feltmakers Present the New Lord Mayor with his Hat

Following a long tradition, Nicholas Anstee, elected as Lord Mayor of London at the ceremony in Guildhall on the 29th. September, was presented with his tricorn hat by Master Feltmaker Susan Wood at the Mansion House on the 17th. November.

The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress with the Master and Wardens of the Feltmakers' Company after the presentation of the hat

 The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London

The Worshipful Company of Feltmakers is today the Livery Company of the hatters.

The first reference to Feltmakers is in London in 1180.  In 1269 the Cappers became officially established.  Hurers made shaggy caps and in 1311 the Hatters were active.  The Hurers and Cappers amalgamated with the Hatters and then merged with the powerful Haberdashers in 1502.  Many feltmakers were already members of the Haberdashers and, as the Haberdashers controlled the retail outlets and the raw materials, this unification seemed sensible. 

The West Porch of St. Bartholemew the Great welcomed liverymen and their guests to the Livery's annual Christmas carol service in 2008

In 1583 the Feltmakers petitioned Queen Elizabeth I for their own Charter but it was not granted until 1604, when King James I came to the throne.  In 1667, King Charles II granted an expanded Charter extending their powers.The Company was granted Livery in 1733, number 63 in order of precedence. 

In 1870-74 many famous politicians joined the Feltmakers.  Between them four had been Chancellor, two First Lord of the Admiralty, two President of the Board of trade and two Foreign Secretary.

The hatting trade flourished in the early part of the 20th. century.  Twenty-seven Mayors were elected in 1914-18.  In 1927 there were 9 Knights on the Feltmakers’ Court.  During the second half of the 20th. century, the trade declined.  There are now some 170 Feltmakers drawn from the higher ranks of many professions, businesses and trades as well as the hatting industry.  The Feltmakers have produced two Lord Mayors and are flourishing again.

Read more about us on our History page.........