The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is the 100th Livery Company of the City of London, bringing together the centuries old Livery tradition and information technology - the key industry of the new millennium.

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THE LIVERY MOVEMENT

The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is part of a Livery tradition dating back hundreds of years.

Livery Companies or guilds originated in this country before 1066 and were formed by groups of people involved in the same profession. They regulated competition, set professional standards and preserved knowledge and skills for future generations. They also cared for their members in times of hardships. Each Livery Company was based at its own Livery hall or headquarters.

The usual entry to a trade or craft was by apprenticeship. Craftsmen who served their apprenticeship were called Journeymen. Later craftsmen could become Freemen or Liverymen (full members of the company).

The term 'livery' refers to the distinctive badges or clothes which members wore to distinguish themselves.

Older Livery Companies include the Mercers (1394), Merchant Taylors (1327) and Grocers (1428). Newer arrivals include the Insurers (1979), Marketors (1977) and, of course, Information Technologists (1992).

Although ancient in origin, the Livery tradition - of shared values, shared purpose, high standards, innovation and integrity - remain as crucial today as ever.

All Livery companies have close links with the The Corporation of London


The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
39A Bartholomew Close London EC1A 7JN
Telephone 0207 600 1992 Facsimile 0207 600 1991
E-mail: info@wcit.org.uk
© Copyright 2000 The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists
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39A Bartholomew Close dates back to the mid-18th century (although the boundaries of 'Greate Saynte Bartholomew Close' were set out on land owned by the priory of Saint Bartholomew as long ago as 1544). The building has a colourful history, including a brief period as the "Rose and Crown" public house in the late 19th century.

The area around Bartholomew Close is home to several other Livery Companies - the Butchers, the Haberdashers, the Farmers & Fletchers and the Founders - and is close to many major commercial firms and City institutions.