Who we are

The City of York has seven Guilds and Companies. Some of these can trace their history back to medieval times, others are relatively new. In order of precedence they are:-
The Company of Merchant Adventurers
The Company of Merchant Taylors
The Company of Butchers
The Gild of Freemen
The Guild of Building
The Company of Cordwainers
The Guild of Scriveners.

Each Guild and Company is headed by a Master or Governor who is elected annually (regardless of gender this person is always known as 'The Master' or 'Governor'). They in turn rely heavily on a Clerk who generally serves for an indefinate period and has much experience in how the particular Guild works. The Clerk is in effect responsible for all communication and organisation, as well as giving the Master advise on protocal etc.