Trade and
craft associations have flourished all over Europe for many
centuries, but the City of London companies, now collectively
known as the Livery, are unique in their survival, number and
diversity.
The social and economic conditions which gave birth to the
original guilds have long since been overtaken by the development
of industry and commerce, but the livery companies still flourish
today as living institutions. Their survival has been achieved by
doing what they have always done: fostering their trade in a wide
context, serving the community, and embracing modern skills and
professions. Today there are 108 livery companies in the City of
London.