Welcome to the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards
The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards is one of the early Trade Guilds in the City of London. The Company was founded as the "Mistery (trade, art, or occupation) of Makers of Playing Cards of the City of London" by a Charter granted by King Charles I on 22nd October 1628.
Some 164 years later, on 27th November 1792 the Court of Aldermen of the City of London granted the Company its Livery.
Accordingly, though 75th in order of precedence, it is one of the older of the City Livery companies, which now total 108. The Makers of Playing Cards was a craft, rather than a trade, company. Under the Company's charter, the number of Liverymen is limited to 150.
Originally the Company was created in order to regulate and control the importation of cheap playing cards, to protect the cardmakers and their families and to maintain quality.
The Crown received the benefit of the duties levied by the Company agreeing to pay a tax on all packs, the Ace of Spades being the chosen card to show the tax, every maker of playing cards had to have a mark of his own inrolled to indicate recognition of his name.
This tax on playing cards was abolished on 4 April 1960 as the cost of administration had become excessive.
The true origin of the Company’s Coat of Arms is unknown but an official Grant of Arms was presented on 31 March 1982. The shield shows the four suits with an upright hand holding an Ace of Hearts.
The motto is 'Corde Recto Elati Omnes' meaning 'With an upright heart all will be exalted'.
THE COMPANY TODAY
Since the formation of the Company in the Middle Ages when playing cards were the sole entertainment for the population, the production and use of playing cards in London has declined. Today the Company still has card makers as Members.
However, the Company has many other Members connected with playing cards including card collectors, dealers, bridge players, magicians and other professions.
COMPANY NEWS & EVENTS
MAKERS OF PLAYING CARDS CHARITY TRUST
INTER LIVERY BRIDGE COMPETITION AND INTERESTING ARTICLES
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A FORCE FOR GOOD
Corde Recto Elati Omnes:
With an Upright Heart All Are Exalted
The Company has been a "Force for Good" in the City for over 380 years. From enabling leisure and entertainment in the Coffee Houses, Parlours and Ale Taverns of King Charles's time, to our more modern role of providing opportunities for disadvantaged children, we have always attracted able people who want to make a difference.
If you are interested in helping to "Make a Difference" in the City and beyond, please contact the Clerk to find out more about how we might help you to make the best use of your skills.
"ECHOES ACROSS THE CENTURY"
Human Stories Behind the War Effort
WCMPC were pleased to support this project
WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF MAKERS OF PLAYING CARDS 2019