The origins of the City Livery Companies are to be found in the medieval guilds, which were independent associations for the purpose of mutual assistance.

The function of the guilds was religious and social as well as commercial, and in the middle ages they proliferated almost everywhere in England.

Each Company adopted a particular livery, or identifying dress, from which the name 'Livery Company' comes.

The Corporation of the City of London maintains The Livery List, which is available on The Corporation's Website.