OUR HISTORY
Formation of the Worshipful Company of Marketors
The Marketors ranks 90th in the City of London Roll of Livery Companies, which now number 108 in total with other companies awaiting award of livery. More than 30 “Modern” Livery Companies have been created since 1926, a gap of 400 years since the previous Company, the Carmen, was granted its charter in 1517.
In 1971 Lord Mais approached the Institute of Marketing (now styled the Chartered Institute) to ask if they would organise his Lord Mayor’s show due to take place in November 1972. The theme for his year was “The world is our market” which was later adopted by the Institute itself. Tony Bellm who was National Chairman at the time readily agreed to help.
By 1973 a Working Party had been set up under the chairmanship of the late Reggie Bowden with the object of forming a City Guild. The Working Party consisted of Fellows of the Institute of Marketing, five of whom were former National Chairmen. This initiative was supported by Lord Mais who believed there was a need for the voice of marketing to be heard in the City. Reggie Bowden became the first Master of the Guild which was inaugurated on April 1st, 1975.
On 14 April 1978, Letters Patent were presented to the Guild enabling it to become a Livery Company and thirty-two years later, on 12 April 2010 the Worshipful Company of Marketors were awarded a Royal Charter by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Following custom the Company established strong links with one of the City churches – St Bride’s in Fleet Street – whose present Rector, the Venerable David Meara, Archdeacon of London is Honorary Chaplain to the Company. Also, in keeping with the tradition of older Livery Companies, in 1997 the Company “adopted” a regiment: 151 (Greater London) Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers). In June 2009 the Company adopted the Combined Cadet Force of St. Dunstan’s School, Catford and in June 2011 affiliated with the Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans.
There is a close relationship on a personal and professional level between the Worshipful Company of Marketors, the Chartered Institute of Marketing and other marketing organisations, whilst all being entirely independent.
You can read the attached document for further background to the relationship and history between the Lord Mayor and the City of London Livery Companies.
