The fellowship of coopers in London probably dates to the 12th century although the earliest official City record is in 1298 when coopers were fined for price fixing. By 1422 the fraternity was governed by two wardens and in 1501 the Company obtained its first Charter of Incorporation from Henry VII. This established its governance and was later confirmed by subsequent monarchs. The Company also received a grant of arms in 1509. The present motto 'Love as Brethren' superseded the original 'Gaude Maria Virgo' following the Reformation.

The Company regulated the coopering trade through Acts of Parliament, overseeing the gauging of casks and other coopered vessels and controlling foreign traders. It prospered throughout the 15th to 17th centuries, but it was the 16th century expansion of global trade and the huge demand for casks that brought coopers – individuals and Company – wealth and prosperity. With prosperity came endowments and bequests that saw the Company establish charitable and educational foundations.

With increasing industrialisation and social changes from the late 18th century, the influence of trade guilds and companies waned. The craft of coopering declined with the industrial revolution and mechanisation and, later, the introduction of metal casks. Today, the Company is proud to support the resurgence in wooden cask usage in micro-brewing and cider making and continue its long tradition of managing charitable and educational trusts.

A record of coopers’ marks historically applied to casks to indicate their maker

A record of coopers’ marks historically applied to casks to indicate their maker

Original Herald’s sketch of the Coopers’ arms from records at the College of Arms

Original Herald’s sketch of the Coopers’ arms from records at the College of Arms