IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0074 CLC/L/GI
Held at: London Metropolitan Archives
Title: WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF GUNMAKERS
Date(s): 1637-1993
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 180 production units
Name of creator(s): Worshipful Company of Gunmakers
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
Makers of guns were members of a number of livery companies (such as the Blacksmiths' Company), until the Gunmakers' Company was established by charter in 1637/8. Its jurisdiction covered London and a ten mile radius, and all persons making, using or selling small arms in that area were obliged to submit them to the Company for examination and marking. This process was known as "trial and proof" and was carried out at the Proof House established by the Company in Whitechapel. A Hall adjoining the Proof House was built in 1872 and sold in 1927.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, 1637-1993, including registers of freedom admissions and apprentice bindings from 1656. Other records include Court minute books; correspondence; charter and ordinance book; papers relating to property; financial accounts; quarterage books; correspondence, notices and reports concerning new and amended proof rules; papers relating to relevant Parliamentary legislation; proof house ledgers and other papers and papers relating to court cases.
PLEASE NOTE: MS 21375 IS SUBJECT TO A 25 YEAR CLOSURE PERIOD.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESS: These records are stored at the Guildhall Library site rather than the LMA Clerkenwell site. Researchers wishing to access these records should do so at the Guildhall Library Rare Books table. The Library is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 16:45. Researchers will need to have an Archives History Card or a Library Readers Card. An archivist will be available at Guildhall Library on Thursday mornings to answer any queries.
ACCESS AND USE
Language/scripts of material: English
System of arrangement:
To assist the user, the catalogue has been arranged in sections each with an archival classification code as follows: A: Constitutional records, B: Court records, C: Membership records; D: Financial records, E: Trade records, F: Clerk's records, G: Charities and estates.
Conditions governing access:
Restricted access: please see staff.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ACCESS: These records are stored at the Guildhall Library site rather than the LMA Clerkenwell site. Researchers wishing to access these records should do so at the Guildhall Library Rare Books table. The Library is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 to 16:45. Researchers will need to have an Archives History Card or a Library Readers Card. An archivist will be available at Guildhall Library on Thursday mornings to answer any queries. For further information please see LMA Research Guide "Consulting Archives at Guildhall Library", available at http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Leisure_and_culture/Records_and_archives/Visitor_information/free_information_leaflets.htm
Conditions governing reproduction:
Copyright: Depositor.
Finding aids:
Please see online catalogues at: http://search.lma.gov.uk/opac_lma/index.htm
ARCHIVAL INFORMATION
Archival history:
Immediate source of acquisition:
The archive of the Gunmakers' Company has been deposited in the Manuscripts Section of Guildhall Library at various dates since 1948. The Manuscripts Section merged with London Metropolitan Archives in 2008. The records have been catalogued by various members of staff over many years.
ALLIED MATERIALS
Publication note:
For further information relating to Livery Companies, particularly using the company records for family history, please see Guildhall Library Manuscripts Section "Livery Company Membership Guide" and Guildhall Library Manuscripts Section "Leaflet Guides to Records: Searching for Members or those apprenticed to Members of City of London Livery Companies" (both available online).
For a general introduction to the history of the City of London Livery Companies please see entry in The London Encyclopaedia, ed Ben Weinreb and Christopher Hibbert.
DESCRIPTION NOTES
Date(s) of descriptions: Oct-09