Last Updated on 13/02/2026
In 1515, the Lord Mayor of London set out an official order of precedence for the 48 Livery Companies then in existence, ranking them broadly according to their economic influence and political standing within the City.
The first twelve in this hierarchy are known collectively as the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Remarkably, their order has remained almost unchanged for over five centuries; new Companies continue to join at the foot of the list as they receive Livery status.
There are, however, a few notable quirks of tradition. Most famously, the Merchant Taylors and the Skinners have long disputed their relative seniority. As a result, they alternate between sixth and seventh place each year, a custom often cited as the origin of the phrase “at sixes and sevens.”
The Clerks of the Great XII Companies maintain their own Association, reflecting the close historic relationship between these senior Livery Companies.
The Great Twelve companies in order of precedence are:
1. Mercers
2. Grocers
3. Drapers
4. Fishmongers
5. Goldsmiths
6. Merchant Taylors*
7. Skinners*
8. Haberdashers
9. Salters
10. Ironmongers
11. Vintners
12. Clothworkers
* These two Companies alternate each year.
