IDENTITY STATEMENT
Reference code(s): GB 0074 CLC/L/FJ
Held at: London Metropolitan Archives
Title: WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF FARMERS
Date(s): 1947-2005
Level of description: Collection
Extent: 97 production units
Name of creator(s): Worshipful Company of Farmers
CONTEXT
Administrative/Biographical history:
The foundation of the Company can be traced back to the Red Cross Agriculture Fund which raised over £8 million from the agricultural and horticultural industries during World War II. On 23 September 1946 the Company of Agriculturalists was formed, but the name was changed to the Company of Farmers in the following year. The Company received its grant of livery in 1952 and charter of incorporation in 1955.
One of the Company's initiatives is the advanced course in Agricultural Business Management (originally called Farm Business Management), which started in 1963. The course is administered by Wye College (which became Imperial College Wye in 2000), University of London, and is held at Ashford in Kent. A leading role was likewise undertaken by the Company in the establishment of the Centre for European Agricultural Studies at Withersdane, near Ashford, which opened in 1975. The Company also maintains two trust funds: the Lord Lonsdale Fund, set up in 1985, and the Geoffrey and Isla Parsons Fund, in 1987, which offer grants to students on the courses.
A site was purchased for a livery hall in 1970 and 1976 in Newbury Street and Middle Street. In 1983 it was decided to build a joint hall with the Fletchers. The foundation stone of the hall was laid in 1986 and it was opened in 1987 at 3 Cloth Fair.
CONTENT
Scope and content/abstract:
Records of the Worshipful Company of Farmers, 1947-2005, including ordinances; Court and Committee minute books; membership lists; correspondence files; financial accounts; newsletters; Clerk's files; histories; photographs; papers relating to Wye College and papers relating to property.
THESE RECORDS (EXCEPT PRINTED ITEMS MS 33643/1, 33648, 33650) ARE SUBJECT TO A 30 YEAR CLOSURE PERIOD. A 70 YEAR CLOSURE PERIOD HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO MS 38544-5.
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:
As the archive is large and complex, and 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;
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 Company's archives were deposited with the Manuscripts Section of Guildhall Library in 2001 and 2006. The Manuscripts Section merged with London Metropolitan Archives in 2008. The records were catalogued by a member of Guildhall Library staff in 2002 and 2007.
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