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THE
INHERITANCE Liverymen in every age are the trustees of the most priceless treasure, in the character, status and traditions of our ancient Company. In that long history, too often have Joiners sold their corporate property and possessions as the price of their extravagance, or lost them in several conflagrations; but a number of portable items of interest escaped and survive to recall yesteryear, such as:- The Charter of Queen Elizabeth 1571, at the Guildhall.
The Company Bible, purchased in 1578, is the Geneva edition of 1560, commonly known as a "Breeches Bible" because of the use of the word 'breeches' in Genesis 3 v 7.
An oil painted panel of the Master, Wardens and Court receiving the plans of their new Hall in 1670. This has been framed and is on permanent loan to Guildhall and displayed on the top landing adjacent to the Members Dining Room. The Master's Chair carved in 1754 by Past Master Edward Newman, is on permanent loan to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Picture of the Joiners Court of Assistants viewing the new Plans for the Joiners Hall is reputed to be by Cornelius Jackson it is said to "represent several persons of the Company sitting at a long table in their Livery Gowns and Mr Whiting (Master of the Company 1677) and his man laying a model before them of the Hall, or some rooms in it, with some of the Assistants viewing and considering it" It hung in the Joiners Hall on the Chimney Piece in 1720 . The date of the painting is unsure but as Thos Whiting was Master in 1677-8 it was probably painted in the latter part of the 17th century
Ancient records and account books from 1497, in the Guildhall Library. Three books of outstanding merit:- 1. "Joiners Company", circ 1648 (Guildhall Library Archives). This book contains the Latin and original English translation of the Royal Charter together with the forty five Ordinances or By-Laws dated 1572 and the additional Ordinances dated 1615 and the original Oaths and Declarations. 2. "Annals of the Worshipful Company of Joiners of the City of London". 1915 Limited Edition by Past Master Henry Laverock Phillips. This book precis the Company history from 1239 to 1850 from Court Minute Books and other documents. 3. "The Worshipful Company of Joiners and Ceilers or Carvers: A Chronological History". 1968 Limited Edition by Past Master Sidney E. Lane. There is also a significant collection of treasures including silverware, much of it arising from presentations to the Company by its Masters and others, including Loving Cups, in use at formal dinners, when other items are also on display.
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