Girdlers' Hall

Girdlers' Hall
Middlesex
Girdlers' Hall
Type:	Livery hall
Location
Grid reference:	TQ32588152
Location:	51°31’1"N, 0°5’26"W
City:	London
History
Address:	Basinghall Avenue
	Built 1961
	Livery hall
	Brick neo-classical
Information
Owned by:	The Worshipful Company of Girdlers
Website:	girdlers.co.uk/hall.html

Girdlers' Hall on Basinghall Avenue in the City of London is the livery hall of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers, one of the ancient livery companies of the City.

The hall standing today was built in 1961, but in a blend of neo-classical with arts-and-crafts styles.

History

In 1431 Andrew Hunt bequeathed to the Girdlers' Company his buildings and land which are substantially the site of the present Hall. Hunt’s buildings became the Company's livery hall, which was developed and improved over the years. This hall was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666, a fate shared with most of the city.

In 1681 the Girdlers' Company built a replacement hall on the same site, at a cost of some £1,500. This hall was more fortunate through the changes and accidents London underwent in following centuries, until it was destroyed by enemy action in 1940.

The current hall was built in 1961. In 2007-8, the Company extensively refurbished the Hall and added a further floor.

The company

Girdlers were granted the right to regulate their trade in the City from 1327 and obtained a Royal Charter in 1449. Girdlers, or makers of belts and girdles, are no longer closely related to their original trade. Along with the products of many other livery companies, girdles have become of less importance than in the Middle Ages. However, the Company continues its long tradition as a charitable body.

The Girdlers' Company ranks twenty-third in the order of precedence of City Livery Companies.

Outside links

• The Worshipful Company of Girdlers
• Girdlers' Hall Garden - London Gardens Online