The Worshipful Company of Scriveners is an ancient Livery Company of the City of London. Originally known as the Mysterie of the Writers of the Court Letter and, since its incorporation, as the Master Wardens and Assistants of the Company of Scrivenors of the Cittie of London [sic], the Scriveners' Company remains one of the few City livery companies continuing to influence professional standards, namely that of scrivener notary. The Company received its first ordinances in 1373 and its royal charter was granted by King James I on 28 January 1617.[1]
Admission to the Freedom and Livery is, as with other City livery companies, via one of three routes: patrimony, servitude or redemption. Candidates must be proposed by two liverymen (one being a Court Assistant), or by authority of the Selection Committee. The Scriveners' Company first admitted ladymembers in 1665.
The Company's principal activities divide into four areas: professional, charitable, civic and social. Its charitable activities are governed by its Sexcentenary Charity Fund.
The ancient Scriveners' Hall was burned down in the Great Fire of London (1666), being subsequently rebuilt and bought by the Coachmakers' Company in 1703. Destroyed in the Blitz, the site of its previous hall is in Noble Street, just off Gresham Street, near Guildhall, London.
Modern status of Scrivener Notaries
Six scrivener notary firms are active in the City of London: Cheeswrights, De Pinna, John Newton & Sons, John Venn & Sons, Saville & Co. and Larianae Notaries.[7]
On a Wreath Or and Azure, a Dexter Hand Proper holding a Pen Argent, the Sleeve Or turned up Argent, issuing from a Cloud Proper, over all a Scroll bearing the Motto "Scribite scientes"
Scriveners' Company Common Paper: a full-text edition of the principal record of the Company from 1357 to 1678 (originally published by the London Record Society (1968, ed. Francis W. Steer), included in British History Online).
