Ancient body which continues to do good work
The story of a powerful guild which had a major influence on Shrewsbury life over centuries is being told in a new book being launched on Friday, September 8.
The Shrewsbury Drapers Company has been written by local historian Nigel Hinton, who was Master of the company in 2011-12.
"Today Shrewsbury Drapers Company Holy Cross Ltd is essentially a housing charity," said Nigel.
"We date a lineage back to the original guild of the drapers company at Shrewsbury which was set up in 1462 from a royal charter from Edward IV, so we are similar to a city livery company. We are structured today as a charity.
"Originally the drapers were the wool traders. In former times the whole of the town trade was governed by the merchant guild. In order to become a butcher, baker, candlestickmaker, or whatever trade you pursued, you had to be admitted to the merchant guild.
"I have written the book because a number of publications refer to aspects of the history of the company. I have tried to gather it all together. My book is the full story of the wool trade in Shropshire and the merchants. The drapers were particularly wealthy because they had a monopoly, or closed shop. I thought the story was worth telling."
The drapers' base was, and is, Drapers Hall, a 16th century timber-framed building in the town centre.
Nigel, who is a chartered accountant with a passion for local history, is a trustee of the company, which has 80 members.
"As well as the drapers company we have a preservation trust that looks after Drapers Hall."
The company has been running almshouses continuously in the town since 1444, including those built opposite St Mary's Church. These are long demolished, but the work in the town continues continues, giving homes to elderly men and women who can look after themselves while living in a caring community.
"We have just built the new almshouses which were opened this year in Abbey Foregate."
These Drapers Place almshouses, providing 25 homes, were opened by the Duke of Gloucester in June.
Nigel's book is officially being launched at Drapers Hall at 11am on Friday, September 8. And on Saturday, September 9, Nigel is giving a talk at the hall at 2.30pm as part of the town's heritage open days.
