Brief History of the Incorporation
of Skinners and Glovers of Glasgow
of Skinners and Glovers of Glasgow
The Incorporation of Skinners
claims to be the oldest of the fourteen Incorporated Trades of Glasgow,
incorporated on 28 May 1516 by the burgh of Glasgow's feudal superior, Archbishop
James Beaton, then also Chancellor of Scotland.
In terms of the charter forming the first constitution no one could carry on business as a skinner unless he was a burgess of the city and his standard of work good enough to pass the masters of the Craft. Regulations governing apprenticeship and training soon followed and before long provisions for relieving poverty amongst Skinners, their widows and children were enacted too.
Like many early guilds, the Skinners were originally closely connected with the church and particularly in Glasgow the Cathedral. To this date there is an annual service in the Cathedral, where the Skinners and the other Crafts each have their pew adorned with their coats of arms.
The history of the Skinners through the ages is bound up with the history of Glasgow. They took part in every development and the members were concerned in the good government of the city. From about 1780 the Skinners also took an interest in national affairs and their records show instances of objecting to parliamentary bills, and how they helped raise a battalion of Volunteers for the Napoleonic Wars. In 1799 they sent £200 for famine relief in Scotland, in 1854 £200 for aiding the widows of soldiers and sailors serving in the Crimean War, and large sums for relief schemes in both the wars of 1914/18 and 1939/45. Like the other crafts they have widely ranging membership. Their most prominent current member is perhaps the Earl of Snowdon but the ordinary membership still consists mainly of the sons and sons-in-law of members, with many families having been represented over generations.
Craft functions today are entirely charitable. The income of the funds is devoted primarily to the relief of pensioner members, their widows and unmarried daughters and contributions are given to many charitable institutions. They are represented in the Trades House by 4 elected members.
For information on membership, please click on the following link.
In terms of the charter forming the first constitution no one could carry on business as a skinner unless he was a burgess of the city and his standard of work good enough to pass the masters of the Craft. Regulations governing apprenticeship and training soon followed and before long provisions for relieving poverty amongst Skinners, their widows and children were enacted too.
Like many early guilds, the Skinners were originally closely connected with the church and particularly in Glasgow the Cathedral. To this date there is an annual service in the Cathedral, where the Skinners and the other Crafts each have their pew adorned with their coats of arms.
The history of the Skinners through the ages is bound up with the history of Glasgow. They took part in every development and the members were concerned in the good government of the city. From about 1780 the Skinners also took an interest in national affairs and their records show instances of objecting to parliamentary bills, and how they helped raise a battalion of Volunteers for the Napoleonic Wars. In 1799 they sent £200 for famine relief in Scotland, in 1854 £200 for aiding the widows of soldiers and sailors serving in the Crimean War, and large sums for relief schemes in both the wars of 1914/18 and 1939/45. Like the other crafts they have widely ranging membership. Their most prominent current member is perhaps the Earl of Snowdon but the ordinary membership still consists mainly of the sons and sons-in-law of members, with many families having been represented over generations.
Craft functions today are entirely charitable. The income of the funds is devoted primarily to the relief of pensioner members, their widows and unmarried daughters and contributions are given to many charitable institutions. They are represented in the Trades House by 4 elected members.
For information on membership, please click on the following link.