We tend to overlook the Livery Companies that represented all the crafts, as in the main they were much poorer and struggled to survive. Glovers were typical founded in the 14th century by the late 15th they were merging and then being taken over by the Leathersellers, a rich trading compsny. Capital versus labour writ large? 500 years ago.
The fast growth of the luxury trade and arrival from France and the Low Countries of new skills meant in 1638 the Glovers obtained their independence from Charles I. They were always poor, unable to afford a home and nearly ending in the late 19th century. But they survived very and still have events in borrowed Livery Halls in London to which I can invite my friends.
So here I am with Dr Christopher Greenfield who was my Vice President when I was President of Leeds Students Union in 1969-70 and has been a good friend ever since
With the Master Glover and my University of Leeds Colleague Dr Chris Greenfield
- Mike Dodd on the right will become Master in November 2025