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There are 102 of these Companies. They started as mutual trade associations in the Middle Ages, one of their aims being mutual support of members fallen on hard times. Bequests of property over the centuries have made them, in some cases, very rich, wealth that they put to charitable work. Some are newly formed and are pure trade associations. To become a Livery Company, a group has to demonstrate a substantial charity fund. Some of the old ones, such as the Pewterers, are getting more involved in their ancestral industries. Others, Fletchers, for example, obviously cannot, while others, such as Fishmongers, never left. Much of the Companies' charitable giving is directed to helping new entrants to the profession of the Company. It follows that anyone considering studying for a vocational career in one of the trades covered by the Companies might well find them a source of a bursary or scholarship.
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