History
The Company was formed with the object of regulating the craft of stonemasonry
so that standards could be properly maintained and rewarded. The earliest available
records of regulation are dated 1356 and were issued by the Court of Aldermen
of the City of London.
Grant of Arms
In 1472 a Grant of Arms was received under Letters Patent.
Royal Charter
It was not until 1677 that the Company was formally incorporated by Royal Charter
under the Seal of King Charles II giving it power to control the work of masons
in the Cities of London and Westminster and seven miles therefrom. To see a copy
of the Charter click here.
About that time the controlling powers of the Company began to be eroded by the
influx of provincial stonemasons required to assist with the rebuilding of London
after the Great Fire of 1666.
