A Short History of the Worshipful Company of Horners

A concise yet richly detailed portrait of one of London’s oldest livery companies unfolds in this listener‑friendly account of the Worshipful Company of Horners. Drawing on a recently unearthed “Old Book” that had been missing for centuries, the author weaves together archival records, personal papers, and earlier scholarly essays to recreate the guild’s early days. The narrative balances scholarly rigor with an engaging tone, making the painstaking research feel like a lively conversation.

The work delves into the broader mystery of medieval craft guilds, questioning whether they sprang from ancient Roman collegia, Saxon brotherhoods, or Norman imports. By tracing the Horners’ evolution—from their medieval production of drinking vessels, combs, and musical accessories to their later ceremonial role—the book illuminates how a single trade shaped social networks and civic identity in the City of London. Along the way, intriguing anecdotes about notable members and the guild’s charitable activities bring the past to life.

Ideal for listeners fascinated by the intersection of trade, history, and community, this short history offers a clear window onto a craft that once rang through the streets of London. It invites anyone curious about how ordinary materials like horn helped forge extraordinary traditions.