Who are the Carmen?
Carman: (1580) | a man who drives a car (a wheeled vehicle); a carter, carrier. |
The Carmen's Company is a guild of the City of London, reflecting the transport industry in all its modes, but particularly surface transport - road and rail, goods and passenger. As a Livery Company (a guild entitled to 'clothe' its members with its 'livery' or uniform) it supports the civic traditions of the City. Its Liveried members share with other Liveries the right and responsibility of electing the Lord Mayor and the Sheriffs annually.
In 1517 the Carmen organised. They formed 'the Fraternyte of Seynt Katryne the Virgyn and Marter of Carters', and innovated. They promised to furnish 'the kings carriages', to 'clense, purge and keep clene all the Stretes of …Donge' and to carry 'fewell…wynne, oyle, woads…within the said Citie and Suburbes' at a reasonable price.
For five centuries they have served City and transport - they still do.
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