Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers

The Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers of London ranks 71st in precedence among the City of London's livery companies and received its incorporated royal charter in 1664. This, together with an earlier charter dated 1635 which was not incorporated by the Court of Aldermen, for reasons which are now obscure, are both still held by the company. The 1630s were troubled times and problems in the glass trade periodically collided with a background of political unrest. Within the City of London there already were livery companies controlling the manufacture and quality of glazing for windows and spectacle manufacture; and the new Glass Sellers Company was therefore established to cover all other parts of the glass trade. It was to be responsible not only for the production of drinking vessels and tableware, but also for the manufacture of looking-glasses and glass vials – such as those then used in the making of hour glasses. The main task of the new company, all of whose members were previously members of other London companies, was dominated by retailers – often those working with china, which was then imported from China in large-scale lots for sale to retailers at auction. == Charitable activities ==