Home > Skinners' Hall > Our History

Our History

The story of the Skinners' Company began in 1327 when the Company was incorporated by Royal Charter. It is a story that is told chronologically via significant historical and Company events in this short article or by looking at our Historical Timeline, both of these were created by our History Committee. 

The Fur Trade

The Company no longer has links to the fur trade, these days Skinners are philanthropists running schools, almshouses and charities building on a long tradition of charitable giving. Some Company members have historic family links to the trade, you can read more here.

Heritage Talks

The Company runs two Heritage Talks every year, one in April and one in November. You can find out about upcoming talks and access materials from past talks here

Company Regalia

Past Master Dudley Buchanan has written a piece about the Company's Master's badge - a jewel as much as a badge filled with intriguing detail. You can read more here.

The Brangwyn Panels

The magnificent Banqueting Hall is decorated with 11 panels painted by the artist Frank Brangwyn. You can read a history of the commission here.

The Skinners Armistice Project

Thanks to the work of Past Master John Hitchins members of the Company can rediscover details about the Skinners who died in the First World War. You can read their interesting and poignant stories here.  You can also see photographs taken at the Skinners Armistice Commemoration in 2018.