In medieval times craftsmen and traders in the City of London formed themselves into guilds, societies and brotherhoods in order to govern their trade, maintain the quality of their products and services, train apprentices and care for their members.

In due course the Crown, recognising the increasing power and importance of these Companies, granted charters of incorporation. The Companies adopted a common hierarchy headed by a Master or Warden (for a one year term only) and a Court of Assistants. The hierarchy also took to wearing distinctive dress known as the Livery.

As the influence of the London Companies grew, they demanded a louder voice in the government of the City, and were successful in obtaining electoral rights for Mayoralty and the Sheriffs.

For more than 500 years, the Livery Companies were at the heart of the commercial, social and religious life of the merchants and manufacturers of London. Largely through these bodies, the City achieved its eminence as the greatest trading metropolis in the world.

By late Victorian times, the connection most Companies had with their craft had atrophied, nevertheless they continued to flourish as City institutions. There are now more than 100 such Companies in the City of London.

The Worshipful Company of Fruiterers, which has been in existence since before 1300 AD, is among the oldest Companies, and stands 45th in order of precedence of the Livery Companies.