Charter and Change - The Royal Carmen
The 18th century brought growth and prosperity, but the 19th, problems. Docks were building and Carmen were powerless. From 1811 to 1838 they wrangled with Christ's Hospital. Then the City took over, and made their only grant of livery in Queen Victoria's reign - to the Carmen.
Trade slackened. Transport was national, no longer a Civic issue. The Carmen barely survived. Then the Fellowship revived and gained a new Royal Charter in 1946. (The original was issued in 1605, incorporating Carmen and Woodmongers together.)
In 1986 HRH the Princess Royal became Master.
Today there are some 490 Liverymen, 160 Freemen and over 40 Apprentices. Most Carmen are associated in some way with transport. They keep alive traditions of fellowship, civic pride and commercial integrity.
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