In 1547, John Fisher became the Company's first benefactor, when he bequeathed property in Fleet Street and adjoining Falcon Court. This asset has contributed to the Company’s funds right up to the present day.
The Great Fire of 1666 was disastrous as the Company lost not only its Hall but also much of its remaining property. Most of its records were lost, and although the bravery of the Clerk saved many valuables, many had to be sold to enable to Company to survive.
John Came, who served in the 18th century, was another key benefactor. Other distinguished members of the Company have included Dr William Marsden, founder of the Royal Free and Marsden Hospitals, Master in 1849-50, and Sir Henry Doulton, the manufacturer of pottery who went on to found Royal Doulton, Master in 1889-90.
In the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution brought inevitable decline to the guilds’ control of their trades. It was not until late in the 19th century that they began to rediscover their role in education and their value as advisors to their trades. At the end of the 19th century the Company flourished and founded the Leather Trades School.
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