The Haberdashers were originally a branch of the Mercers Company, but in 1371 produced a first set of ordinances under their own name, and in 1448 were incorporated by Charter of Henry VI. A further Charter granted by Henry VII in 1502 gave the Company merchant status, enabling trading abroad. A period of great influence and prosperity followed. The records from 1583 onwards form a fascinating social record of the Stuart period onwards. From the Plantation of Ulster, through the reigns of James I and Charles I and the Commonwealth period when the Government borrowed 60,000 from the Company, the Haberdashers were always at the hub of City activity. Two prominent Haberdashers led the non-conformist and Whig movement against King Charles II.

90 reels
Reference: HAB