Salters' Company
An ancient merchant guild associated with the salt trade, the Salters' Company originated in London as the Guild of Corpus Christi.
History and functions
The Salters' Company was first granted a Royal Charter of Incorporation in 1394, with further charters authorising the Company to set standards regulating salt industry products from the City of London. The formal name under which it is incorporated is The Master, Wardens and Commonality of the Art or Mystery of the Salters of London.
The Company was originally responsible for the regulation of salt merchants, but began losing control over the trade as the population of London increased and spread outwards from the City after the Industrial Revolution. Until the 19th century, the main use for salt was to preserve food for the winter months. Salt was probably the first traded commodity which if not available locally was imported.
Through careful stewardship of financial bequests and funds, the Company now serves as a significant educational and charitable institution whilst maintaining links with its heritage by supporting education in chemistry, for example by awarding scholarships to chemistry and science students.
Since Sir Robert Bassett in 1475/76, eighteen Salters have served as Lord Mayor of London, the most recent being Sir Richard Nichols in 1997/98.
The Master Salter for 2024/25 is Piers Vacher, supported by the Company Wardens, Councilman Andrew McMurtrie and Anthony Cecil, 4th Baron Rockley, and its Honorary Chaplain.
Since 2019, the Clerk to the Salters' Company is Tim Smith.
Salters' Hall
The former Salters' Hall in St Swithin's Lane, London, bombed in 1941, was during the 1700s the meeting place of Presbyterians and in 1719 the site of the "Salters' Hall controversy" a notable turning point for religious tolerance in England.
The present Salters' Hall on Fore Street, EC2 dates from 1976, designed by architect Sir Basil Spence, being Grade II-listed in 2010. A major redevelopment by architects de Metz Forbes Knight including a new entrance pavilion was completed in 2016.
Salters' Institute
Established in 1918 as the Salters' Institute of Industrial Chemistry to support chemistry students after the First World War, particularly those whose studies had been interrupted by military service, the Salters' Company's educational charity awards prizes for students of chemistry, chemical engineering, biology and physics (plus science technicians) eg. Sam Carling, as well as running various activities to promote the study of science.
Coat of arms
The Company received a grant of arms in 1530 from Clarenceux King of Arms Thomas Benolt, then its crest and supporters in 1591 from Robert Cooke.
The Salters' Co. arms are blazoned:
Escutcheon: Per chevron Azure and Gules, three Covered Salts Argent, garnished Or.
Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours, a Cubit Arm erect issuing from Clouds all Proper, holding a Covered Salt Argent, garnished Or.
Supporters: Two Otters Sable bezanty, ducally gorged and chained Or.
Its motto is Sal Sapit Omnia, Latin for Salt Savours All.