How to Join Us
The Woolmen are an ancient City of London livery company (guild) with a modern, inclusive outlook and a diversity of members.
With origins predating 1180, we are the only such company dedicated to a single fibre – versatile, sustainable, practical, wool. We provide the bridge between ancient traditions and a modern, vibrant livery, encompassing tradition and progress.
The Woolmen are a sociable group of people of all ages from all backgrounds, with one main aim – to support the wool industry and the City. Fellowship lies at the heart of our philosophy informing all we do, where social activities blend with our charitable goals.
Our Charity, under the strapline ‘Living Wool Living Livery’ supports a wide range of wool related charities including bursaries and awards for students.
What is Unique about The Woolmen?
The Worshipful Company of Woolmen balances tradition and progress, honoring its heritage while engaging in modern industry and City affairs. Its annual Sheep Drive and Livery Fair is a globally recognized event. As an open Livery, it welcomes members from diverse backgrounds, with a balanced mix from the wool trade, the City, and other sectors. With strong ties to the City, the wool industry, and the Livery movement, the Company remains deeply connected to its past while embracing the future.
Where do our Members come from?
Our members come from diverse backgrounds, including existing connections, the City, the Armed Forces, and the wider Livery movement. Many join from modern Livery Companies, Guilds, the wool industry, academic institutions, and award programs, as well as through the Journeyman Scheme. With a broad geographical reach, including international members, the Woolmen’s community reflects a rich and varied network.
Wool Industry – how we connect with our industry
The Woolmen maintain strong ties to the wool industry, the City, and global markets, engaging in key sectors from agriculture and shearing to design, manufacturing, retail, and fashion. Through mentoring, industry events, and collaborations such as the Campaign for Wool and the Livery Textile Group, we support the £70 billion global wool trade, promoting innovation and sustainability from farm to retail and farm to fashion while playing an active role in business and industry development.
The City – how we fit into the City and other liveries
The Woolmen are deeply embedded in the City of London’s traditions and Livery movement, participating in key events such as elections, the Lord Mayor’s Show, and the United Guilds Service. Our annual Sheep Drive & Livery Fair is a highlight, celebrating the wool trade’s historic ties to the City. We actively engage with the Guild of Young Freemen and collaborate with the Livery Textile Group, including Clothworkers’, Drapers’, Weavers’, Framework Knitters’, Feltmakers’, and Broderers’, reinforcing our role in both ancient customs and modern industry.
Membership – What we do for members
The Woolmen offer a vibrant and engaging membership experience, with regional activities through our ‘Hub’ network, a formal presence at agricultural and county shows, and a mix of informal social events like wine bar evenings, lunches, and military visits. Members can take part in inter-Livery sports including golf, shooting, sailing, and skiing, as well as attend spectacular formal dinners in historic City venues.
We provide insights into the City and Livery movement, along with opportunities to participate in major events such as elections, the Lord Mayor’s Show, and the United Guilds Service. And of course, as a Woolman, you can drive sheep over London Bridge at our iconic Sheep Drive & Livery Fair!
Charity Education and Training –
What we do for others
The Woolmen actively support the wool industry and future generations through fundraising events like the Sheep Drive, alongside academic and practical awards, scholarships, and bursaries. We champion innovation with the Woolman’s Innovation Prize and engage with journeymen, students, and young professionals through mentoring and sustainability initiatives. Our involvement in fashion shows and industry events further promotes wool’s relevance, ensuring a strong future for both tradition and progress.
Benefits of Membership
A flourishing social programme offering opportunities to network.
The opportunity to help the Company to develop through serving on its Committees and the Court.
The opportunity to play a part in the life of the City of London by becoming a Freeman of the City, and participating in the election of the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs.
An opportunity to contribute to the charitable mission of the Company.
