The Foundation Charter of The Clothworkers' Company was granted by Henry VIII on 18th January 1528. It was written in Latin and brought together the Fullers and the Shearmen and granted certain rights and privileges which enabled the new Company to perform in certain ways. It did not impose requirements upon the Company.
View or download an English translation of the Company’s 1528 Charter >> Six subsequent Royal Charters were issued from 1558 to 1687 and the provisions made are at a high level. The most recent supplement is dated 26th August 1947.
The Clothworkers' Company remains a Company by Royal Charter, allowing it considerable flexibility in how its affairs are managed. Broadly, the Company has power to do anything that an individual could do with his or her own personal property.
The Clothworkers' Company is not subject to the provisions of the Companies Act.