The Worshipful Company of Butchers is one of the Livery Companies of the City of London, England. Records indicate that an organization of Butchers existed as early as 975; the Butchers' Guild, the direct predecessor of the present company, received the right to regulate the trade in 1331. The Butchers were incorporated by a Royal Charter centuries later, in 1605. The Butchers still, unlike several other Livery Companies, continues to exist as a trade association for members of the industry, instead of turning into an institution primarily dedicated to charity. However, the Company does contribute, as do all Livery Companies, to several charities.
The Company ranks twenty-fourth in the order of precedence of Livery Companies. The Company's motto is Omnia Subiecisti Sub Pedibus, Oves Et Boves, a Latin phrase, from the Book of Psalms, translating to Thou Hast Put All Things Under Man's Feet, All Sheep and Oxen.
External link
The Butchers' Company (http://www.butchershall.com/)
From then onwards the role of the company altered completely, becoming channelled into generous giving to charity, which was to be the principle object of its existence.
The Company is governed by the Court of Assistants, who help the Master and Wardens in managing the Company's affairs.
From time to time, Honorary Freemen are admitted to the WorshipfulCompany of Grocers of London, amongst these, during her lifetime, the late Queen Mother, the Archbishop of Canterbury and -- in 1993 -- the late Princess of Wales.